When you’re raising a family on a homestead or preparing for unexpected situations, knowing how to handle medical emergencies is crucial. Kids are adventurous and accidents happen, especially when you’re living close to nature. Being able to provide immediate care can make a big difference in the outcome of an injury or illness. These 15 first aid skills will help you keep your family safe and healthy, no matter what challenges come your way.
CPR for Different Age Groups
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that every parent should master. The approach differs slightly for infants, children, and adults. For infants, use two fingers for chest compressions and cover both the nose and mouth when giving breaths. For children and adults, use the heel of your hand for compressions and pinch the nose closed for breaths. Remember, the compression to breath ratio is 30:2 for all age groups. It’s crucial to maintain a compression depth of about 2 inches for adults, 2 inches for children, and 1.5 inches for infants.
Treating Burns
Burns are common in homesteading life, whether from cooking fires or working with farm equipment. For minor burns, cool the area under running water for at least 10 minutes. Never use ice, as it can cause further damage. Cover the burn with a clean, dry dressing. For severe burns, seek medical attention immediately while keeping the burned area elevated and covered with a cool, moist cloth. Avoid applying butter, oil, or any home remedies to burns, as these can increase the risk of infection and slow healing.
Stopping Bleeding
Knowing how to stop bleeding can prevent a minor cut from becoming a major problem. Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze. If blood soaks through, add more layers without removing the original dressing. For severe bleeding, use a tourniquet as a last resort, placing it between the wound and the heart. Remember to note the time you applied the tourniquet. For wounds on the head or neck where a tourniquet can’t be used, pack the wound with gauze or a clean cloth and apply firm, direct pressure.
Recognizing and Treating Shock
Shock can occur after severe injuries or allergic reactions. Signs include pale, cool, and clammy skin, weak pulse, and confusion. Lay the person flat, elevate their legs about 12 inches, and keep them warm with a blanket. Don’t give them anything to eat or drink. Call for emergency help immediately, as shock can be life-threatening. If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position to keep their airway open.
Heimlich Maneuver
Choking is a scary situation, especially with children. For a conscious victim, stand behind them, place one hand on their upper abdomen, and give quick upward thrusts until the object is expelled. For infants, support their head and neck, place them face down on your forearm, and give five back blows followed by five chest thrusts. If the person becomes unconscious, begin CPR immediately and call for emergency help.
Treating Sprains and Strains
Active kids on a homestead are bound to experience sprains or strains. Remember RICE: Rest the injured area, Ice it to reduce swelling, Compress with an elastic bandage, and Elevate it above the heart. Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. If pain persists or worsens, seek medical attention. After the first 48 hours, gentle heat can be applied to promote blood flow and healing.
Dealing with Fractures
Fractures require immobilization to prevent further injury. Don’t try to realign the bone. Instead, create a splint using rigid materials like boards or rolled-up newspapers. Pad the splint with soft materials and secure it in place. Always splint the joints above and below the fracture site. Seek medical help as soon as possible. For open fractures where the bone has pierced the skin, cover the wound with a clean, moist dressing to prevent infection.
Treating Bites and Stings
Living close to nature means encountering various critters. For bee stings, scrape out the stinger with a credit card. For tick bites, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull straight out. Clean the area with soap and water. Watch for signs of allergic reactions or infection in the following days. For snake bites, keep the affected limb still and lower than the heart, remove any constricting items like jewelry, and seek immediate medical attention.
Recognizing and Treating Heatstroke
Heatstroke can sneak up on you during long days working outside. Symptoms include high body temperature, red, hot skin, rapid pulse, and confusion. Move the person to a cool area, remove excess clothing, and cool them with water or ice packs. Focus on cooling the head, neck, armpits, and groin. Seek emergency medical help immediately. If available, use fans or air conditioning to help lower body temperature more quickly.
Handling Allergic Reactions
Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Know the signs: hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. If you have prescribed epinephrine (like an EpiPen), use it immediately. Even after using epinephrine, always seek emergency medical care, as symptoms can return. If the person is conscious and not having breathing difficulties, give them an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to help reduce symptoms.
Treating Hypothermia
In cold climates, hypothermia is a real risk. Symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Remove wet clothing, warm the person gradually with blankets or body heat, and give them warm (not hot) drinks if they’re conscious. Avoid rubbing their skin, as this can cause further damage. In severe cases, create a vapor barrier by wrapping the person in plastic sheeting or garbage bags, leaving only the face exposed, to prevent further heat loss.
Wound Cleaning and Care
Proper wound care prevents infection. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Remove any dirt or debris gently with tweezers cleaned with alcohol. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage. Change the dressing daily and watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pus. For deep or gaping wounds, butterfly bandages or sterile wound closure strips can help hold the edges together until professional medical care is available.
Treating Eye Injuries
Eye injuries require careful handling. For chemicals in the eye, flush with clean water for at least 15 minutes. For objects stuck in the eye, don’t try to remove them – cover both eyes (to prevent movement) and seek medical help. For minor irritations, try blinking to remove small particles or gently flushing with water. If you suspect a scratched cornea, cover the eye with a clean patch and seek medical attention to prevent complications.
Managing Seizures
During a seizure, protect the person from injury by moving away nearby objects. Don’t restrain them or put anything in their mouth. Time the seizure and call for emergency help if it lasts longer than 5 minutes. After the seizure, place them in the recovery position (on their side) and stay with them until they’re fully alert. Keep a log of seizure activity, including duration and any unusual symptoms, to share with medical professionals.
Creating and Using a First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for every home. Include bandages, gauze, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications your family needs. Keep one in your home and another in your vehicle. Regularly check and restock your kit, and make sure everyone in the family knows where it’s kept and how to use its contents. Consider adding a first aid manual or quick reference guide to your kit for easy access to instructions during emergencies.
