What to Do If Someone Loses Consciousness, According to a Doctor
Knowing how to respond when someone faints or loses consciousness can save a life, especially when it happens without warning.The primary cause of this phenomenon is syncope, commonly referred to as fainting. According to StatPearls, syncope accounts …
Learn MoreAnimal Bites
What should I do if my child is bitten by an animal?Treatment depends on how bad the wound is. If it’s clearly minor — nothing more than a superficial scratch — carefully wash the area with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment twice a day. C…
Learn MoreDealing With Medical Emergencies
Medical emergencies can be frightening, especially if you are unprepared. Being familiar with first aid instructions can help you prevent or minimize serious injury. It can even save lives. Knowing what to do will give you the confidence to act calmly…
Learn MoreElectric Shock and Burns
From the coffeemaker to the fax machine, devices that run on electricity are all around us. Most of the time, we don’t worry about the live current that makes them work. But every year, 1,000 people die because of electrical accidents. Anything from t…
Learn MoreCarbon Monoxide Poisoning
Often called “the silent killer,” carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can be fatal when inhaled. Smoke from fires, backdrafts from blocked chimney flues, grills that use charcoal or chemical fuels, emissions from faulty gas he…
Learn MoreSevere Bleeding: What to Do for Your Child
What should I do if my child is bleeding badly?You’ll need to act quickly. If your child has lost consciousness or appears to be in shock, have someone call 911 immediately while you begin first aid. Lay your child down with his feet elevated about 12…
Learn MoreBroken Bones
What should I do if my child breaks a bone or dislocates a joint?A broken bone or dislocated joint is a serious injury that requires a doctor’s immediate attention. The best thing you can do is protect the injured area, making sure your child doesn’t …
Learn MoreShock
Shock can occur after any kind of trauma: a severe allergic reaction, poisoning, heat stroke, burns, or any other severe stress on the body. But the phenomenon can also ensue from severe dehydration, excessive vomiting, or extreme diarrhea. Some types…
Learn MoreTick Bites
What should I do if my child is bitten by a tick?First, remove the tick. Forget any advice you’ve heard about applying petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, or a hot match to the end of the tick. Those home remedies almost never work. Instead of forcing…
Learn MoreSpider and Scorpion Bites
What should I do if my child is bitten by a spider or scorpion?Most spider bites are harmless, causing redness and swelling at the site but no serious risk, so you can probably relax. The only spiders that pose a real danger are black widow and brown …
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