Tweens should have a basic understanding of first-aid, and know how to deal with everyday bumps and bruises. Since it's during the tween years when many children are left home alone, or in charge of younger siblings, it's also important that they know how to handle some of the more common situations that could arise, including scrapes, burns, and even more serious situations. Here's what you need to know about children, first-aid and preparing your tween.
Stay Calm
All tweens should understand that remaining calm in a crisis is critical. Teach your child to avoid panic by remaining calm yourself in times of stress. Point out how to focus on what's important by breathing deeply, concentrating on the steps that need to be taken, and taking those steps one-by-one. Point out examples of people reacting to emergency situations calmly, and with good judgment. For example, when Flight 1549 was forced to land in the Hudson River in January 2009, the passengers remained calm and helped one another evacuate the plane. Everyone aboard survived. Keeping one's head in any emergency situation is an important lesson for all children. First-aid requires clear thinking, and confident reaction.
Children, First-Aid and Knowing When to Call for Help
Your child should know who to contact should a serious emergency happen. Provide your child with a list of neighbors and trusted adults to call should he need to. Also, include phone numbers for the police, the poison control center, the fire department, the family doctor and dentist. Tweens should also understand how and when to call 911. Help your tween focus on what to say to the emergency operator. Information they'll need to know includes: the type of injury or emergency experienced; the age and physical condition of the person injured; whether or not the person injured is conscious and breathing; where he is; and whether or not any aid has been offered to the person in distress.Stock a First-Aid Kit
When it comes to children, first-aid and preparedness, a stocked first-aid kit is a must. A home first-aid kit should contain: bandages; sterile adhesive tape; gauze pads; scissors; safety pins; a first-aid book or chart; tweezers; a flashlight with extra batteries; cotton balls; an instant-thermometer (not glass); protective gloves; an instant ice pack; an index card with emergency phone numbers and contact numbers listed; anti-bacterial ointment; alcohol wipes; a bottle of distilled water.A travel kit should contain the above items, as well as an emergency blanket, and a cell phone to place an emergency call.
Understand Basic First-Aid
To children, first-aid can be a fun learning experience and a step towards independence. Once you and your tween have stocked the family first-aid kit, go over the items explaining how to use them. Show your child that basic surface wounds should be cleaned, and then bandaged. Explain how to activate the emergency ice pack, and use it to treat sprains, or swollen injuries. Show your child some basic ways to remove splinters with tweezers.Many local YMCAs and Red Cross chapters offer first-aid training for children 11 and older. These classes are very helpful, and should be considered for any child who is left alone or in charge of younger children. First-aid preparedness also means understanding CPR, as well as aid for choking victims.
