These first aid tips have kindly been provided by Roma Felstein, a mum who runs a small company that delivers first aid and child safety courses to parents and carers of children under eight.

Whilst we hope that they are of use to parents the forparentsbyparents site can not be held responsible for the use of this information or any outcomes of their application.

If you have specific worries or any query you should contact your Doctor or Health Visitor.

Nose Bleeds

Febrile Convulsions

Nose Bleeds

• Sit the child down and tilt the head forward
  
  
• Pinch the fleshy part of the nostrils together for 10 minutes
  
  
• Tell the child to breathe through the mouth
  
  
• Tell the child to spit out any blood in the mouth into a bowl or tissue
  
  
• If the bleeding has not stopped after 10 minutes, release the pressure and then pinch for a further 10 minutes
  
  
• Continue this procedure for up to 30 minutes
  
  
• If the bleeding hasn't stopped after 30 minutes, take the child to hospital, keep the head forward and the nose pinched
  
  
• If the bleeding stops within 30 minutes, clean the area with dampened cotton wool
  
  
• Encourage the child to rest and tell them not to blow or pick the nose for a few hours
  

Take the child to hospital immediately if the blood is thin and watery and follows a head injury.

Febrile Convulsions

A febrile convulsion occurs as a result of an infection and high temperature, normally affecting young children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years

Recognition

• Signs of a fever including flushed red face, sweating, high temperature and hot forehead
  
  
• Eyes rolling back, fixed or squinted
  
  
• Muscular stiffening and arching of the back
  
  
• Clenched fists
  
  
• Possible blue tinge to the lips

Treatment

• The aim of the treatment is controlled cooling of the child and to maintain their safety
  
  
• Remove clothing and bedclothes
  
  
• Ventilate room - it should feel cool but not cold
  
  
• Clear space around child to prevent injury
  
  
• Continue to reduce temperature by tepid sponging. Using a sponge, gently wipe the child with luke warm (not cold) water
  
  
• Continue to monitor temperature
  
  
• Once cooled and convulsion has ceased place in the recovery position
  
  
• Cover with cotton sheet
  
  
• Call doctor
  
  
• If temperature rises again, repeat tepid sponging procedure.

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