Playground & Gym First Aid: Essential Care for Injuries

Playground and gym injuries can range from the very minor to the very serious. It's important to supervise children during play to lower the risk of injuries. It's equally as important to know what to do when a child is hurt.

Cuts and Scrapes

• Don't remove a bandage before bleeding stops, as this can also remove the clot.

  Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding for up to 10 minutes. Rinse the skin with clear water, pat dry and apply an antiseptic ointment. Apply a bandage and change it every day or when it gets dirty or wet.

Head Injuries

• A concussion is a serious injury that requires emergency medical attention.

  If a child has not lost consciousness and is acting normally, apply an ice pack to the head for 20 minutes and watch for signs of a serious injury. See a doctor for head injuries if the child is an infant, lost consciousness at any point, has head or neck pain, breathes abnormally or will not awaken.

Breaks and Sprains

• Sprains are the most common ankle injury, but a fracture must be ruled out.

  If the injured body part can't be moved or is very painful, there may be a break or fracture that requires emergency medical attention. For minor sprains and strains, rest the body part, elevate it above the level of the heart if possible, apply ice and gently compress it to reduce swelling.