Knowing basic first aid procedures is a must for any babysitter. Children can be extremely accident-prone, and you must know how to handle emergency situations when they arise. When you are confident in your basic first aid abilities, you’ll be able to keep a cool head and help the child appropriately. Being able to let parents know that you know how to handle accidents with proper first aid procedures can help them feel more comfortable leaving their children with you as well.
Step 1
Clean scrapes and minor cuts by washing them gently with soap and warm water. Dab the area with sterile gauze moistened with hydrogen peroxide to sterilize the wound, and apply an adhesive bandage with antibiotic ointment to protect the wound from bacteria and promote healing.
Step 2
Take a class that instructs you on the proper way to perform the Heimlich maneuver and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These techniques are important to know if a child is choking or stops breathing, but you need to learn how to perform them at a class where an instructor can make sure you are doing the movements correctly. Contact your local Red Cross chapter for information on classes in your area.
Step 3
Apply an ice pack or a bag of small frozen vegetables, such as peas, wrapped in a towel to minor injuries to reduce swelling and pain. Don’t leave an ice pack on for more than 20 minutes.
Step 4
Run cool water over minor burns or apply a cold compress for three to five minutes, according to KidsHealth. Apply aloe vera gel to the burned area, and cover it with sterile gauze if the area is small. Seek emergency help for severe burns that blister or appear charred. Electrical burns also require urgent medical care.
Step 5
Remove the stinger with tweezers if the child suffers a bee sting. Wash the area with soap and water, and dab calamine lotion over the skin to reduce irritation and itching. Cool compresses can also soothe bug bites. Watch the child carefully for signs of an allergic reaction, and be prepared to call 911 if the child seems to be having trouble breathing.
Step 6
Contact the poison control center at 800-222-1222 if a child swallows a harmful chemical or ingests medication not intended for him. According to KidsHealth, you can treat most childhood poisonings at home with advice from the poison control center.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure parents leave you with a list of emergency contact numbers, including a way to reach them, the child’s doctor and an alternate contact, such as a neighbor or relative, in case of an emergency. Prevention goes a long way. Keep a close watch on children when you babysit and keep them away from dangerous situations. Always notify the child’s parents about any first aid situation or injury, even a minor scrape.
- Take a child to the emergency room or dial 911 for help if a child you are babysitting is having breathing problems, is unconscious, bleeding profusely or has a broken bone. Always err on the side of caution and seek prompt medical attention if you are unsure of the extent of a child’s injuries or illness.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Sterile gauze
- Antibiotic ointment
- Adhesive bandages
- Ice pack
- Towel
- Aloe vera gel
- Tweezers
- Calamine lotion
