04/12/2019
*ACCIDENT/INJURY THROUGH FALLS*
Your 4 year old decides he wants a toy from upstairs. He goes up on his own then heads back down the stairs with his toy in his hand. You are in the other room and trust he can do this on his own as he has done so before. You hear a few bangs and then crying. You go to him and find him face down on at the bottom of the stairs. He is crying and upset. Do you know what to do?
Respond to what you see, not what you think happened or what he is telling you. He could be scared that he just fell and is looking for comfort. His adrenaline will be high which can mask pain as a result of injury. You don't know if he fell down 1 stair or all the stairs and you don't know how his body has been effected.
Keeping this in mind, the following steps can help prevent further injury. Rememer - stay calm and present. It can be instinctual to pick him up to comfort him!
1. Lay down next to him and tell him that you are here with him, he is safe and you will help him.
2. Tell him that it is important to stay still. Lay on your back or stomach with him to encourage him to stay still.
3. Ask him how he is feeling. Does anything hurt?
4. Look over his body without moving him for any scratches, redness, swelling, or blood. Touch his body from head to toe to see if there is any immediate pain response.
5. Watch to see if he able to move his head and his body on his own. He will likely try to sit up or look at you, which will support the belief that he likely not have a severe injury.
6. If he is wanting to move on his own, without your insistance, allow him to sit up slowly. Provide the time and space to breathe deeply and to be calm.
7. Take your time. If there is any chance of a break, sprain or open gash, take him to a doctor.
**Let's create a different scenario. If you approach him and he is not moving quickly and/or not completely alert, take the following steps:
1. Lie down next to him. Refrain from touching him and call his name. If he can hear you and verbally respond, tell him you are with him and will help him. Reasure him to stay calm and still.
2. If you are certain he is breathing and you are alone, bring a phone to you and call 911. The responder will assist you. If you are not alone, call out for someone to call 911 and stay by his side.
3. At this point, it is crucial to not move him, pick him up or take it upon yourself to drive him to a hospital/doctor. Continue to encourage him not to move or to stand.
4. Stay calm, breathe with him and stay by his side. You do not know what his injuries are and how his body has responded. As long as he is breathing, do not move him.
It is vital to respond to what we see, not what our little one is telling us or what we think has happened. While it can feel instinctual to pick up our little ones at the first sign of accident/injury, this can cause much greater harm.
During our public and private courses, we address how to handle these scenarios and the steps you can take to ensure your little one remaines healthy.
(If it any point you feel as though you need medical attention, speak to your doctor or call 911)
