One of a parent’s worst fears is seeing their child get hurt. However, if that fear comes to pass, you want to ensure you know exactly what to do in response. Here are the steps you should take if your child is injured in an accident.
Step 1: Don’t Move Your Child
Unless your child is drowning or is in another dangerous situation, avoid scooping up your child. If your son or daughter has fallen, let your child lie where they are. Only a medical professional can tell whether your child has broken a bone or fracture his or her spine. Moving them might make the situation worse. Wait for an emergency medical technician (EMT) to get there and let professionals take your child to the hospital for treatment.
Step 2: Assess
Check to see if your child is breathing. If not, conduct CPR. If they are breathing, check to see if your child is conscious. If your child is responding, ask him or her to wiggle their toes, then move their arms and legs. If they can’t seem to move these portions of their bodies, call 911 immediately. Inability to move could indicate a spinal injury.
Next, check to see if your child is disoriented by asking them simple questions they should be able to answer. If the responses seem slow, call 911. Cognitive difficulties could indicate a concussion or severe brain injury.
Step 3: Check for Blood
Deep wounds should be looked at by an experienced professional. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after you apply steady pressure, it’s time to call 911. Likewise, if you can see bone, your child will likely need stitches and possible antibiotics. Call 911 if you notice a lot of blood or bone in the wound.
If your child was injured by the negligence or carelessness of another person, talk to one of our skilled Fort Worth child injury attorneys. The Law Office of James M. Stanley is dedicated to helping the victims of negligence seek compensation for their medical bills and pain and suffering. Let us see what we can do for you and your family.
Contact us at (817) 591-4222 or fill out our online form to schedule your complimentary case evaluation today.