Teaching kids about first aid might seem like something to worry about later, but honestly, the earlier you start, the better! It can actually be a fun and interactive way to help your kids learn some crucial life skills that they’ll carry with them forever. Plus, when kids start learning these basic first aid techniques early on, they’ll get more comfortable and confident with knowing what to do in emergencies.
As parents, we all worry about what could happen when our kids are at school or playing outside. While we do our best to protect them, accidents happen—whether it’s a scrape at the playground or something more serious. In fact, the World Health Organization reports that over 950,000 kids under 18 die from injuries each year, with most of these being unintentional. While that’s a scary statistic, the good news is that teaching kids basic first aid can make a big difference in preventing and handling injuries.
From minor scrapes and burns to more serious emergencies, accidents can happen anywhere—at home, at school, or at the park. That’s why teaching your kids about safety and first aid early on can help them stay prepared and even help others when it counts.
So, where do you start? We’ve rounded up some key first aid lessons every child should know.
1. When and How to Call 911
One of the most important things to teach your child is how and when to call 911. Once your child is old enough to understand numbers, make sure they know how to dial 911 in case of an emergency. Explain that this should be their go-to action if they or someone else is hurt or in danger.
Here’s what to teach them:
- How to make a call from a cellphone or landline.
- How to unlock a phone if needed.
- How to tell the operator where they are (memorizing their home address is key!).
It’s also a good idea to post emergency numbers in a visible spot, like on the fridge, so your kids (and everyone else in the family) can easily access them if needed.
2. How to Stop Bleeding
Cuts and scrapes are part of everyday life, especially for active kids. But knowing how to handle bleeding can be a lifesaver—literally. Teach your child how to stop a bleed by following these simple steps:
- Apply pressure to the cut with a clean cloth or their hand.
- If the blood soaks through, add another cloth or bandage on top.
- For serious cuts with heavy bleeding, call 911 immediately.
Once they know these steps, they’ll feel more confident taking action if they or a friend gets a bad cut.
3. How to Treat a Burn
Accidents in the kitchen or near hot objects like the oven, stove, or even curling irons can happen quickly. Make sure your child knows how to cool and treat a burn:
- Run the burned area under cool (not cold) water.
- Apply burn ointment (like aloe vera) if available.
- Cover the burn with a cool, wet towel and get help from an adult.
This will help your child take the right steps to soothe a burn and prevent it from getting worse.
4. Where to Find the First Aid Kit
Every home should have a well-stocked first aid kit, but it’s even more helpful if your kids know where to find it and how to use it! Show them where the first aid kit is kept and go over what’s inside, like bandages, wraps, and tape. Explain what each item is for so they can feel confident using it in an emergency.
For younger kids, consider putting together a “kid-friendly” first aid kit that doesn’t include sharp objects or medications but still has the basics like bandages, tape, a list of emergency numbers, and a flashlight.
5. How to Stop a Nosebleed
Nosebleeds can be scary, but they’re pretty common—especially for kids. Teach your child how to stop a nosebleed and when to call for help:
- Sit forward slightly (so the blood doesn’t go down their throat).
- Pinch the nose near the nostrils to stop the bleeding.
- If the bleeding lasts more than 15 minutes, call 911.
Knowing these simple steps can help your child feel more in control if a nosebleed happens.
6. How to Recognize Choking and What to Do
Choking is one of the scariest accidents that can happen, but if your child knows how to recognize the signs and help, it can save lives. Teach your child to watch for the signs of choking, like:
- Coughing or gagging
- Holding their throat
- Face turning red or blue
- Being unable to talk
Then, show them how to help:
- For back blows, hit firmly between the person’s shoulder blades.
- For abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver), stand behind the person and push upward just above the belly button.
Also, teach them how to call 911 if someone is choking and what to do if that person becomes unconscious. If your family is up for it, you could even sign up for a first aid or CPR course together!
7. How to Perform CPR
By the time kids are around 12, they’re old enough to learn CPR. Even if they’re younger, it’s a great idea to start introducing the basics, so they know what to do if someone collapses or stops breathing.
Here’s a simple version of CPR for kids to learn:
- Check for breathing and a pulse.
- If there’s no pulse or breath, start CPR with 30 chest compressions.
- Follow up with two rescue breaths.
- Repeat until help arrives.
For younger kids, you can explain the concept and show them the basics, even if they’re not strong enough to perform CPR just yet. It’s never too early to get them familiar with life-saving techniques.
Wrapping It Up
Teaching your kids first aid might seem like a big task, but you can make it simple and fun by relating the lessons to real-life situations and practicing together. The more comfortable they feel with first aid, the better they’ll handle emergencies if they happen.
Take it step by step, keep it light, and always make sure your kids feel supported. You’ll be giving them important skills they’ll carry with them for life!
