Child (5-12 yr)

Take a breath. You're here.

That's the first right thing.

What's happening?

Get help now

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Call 911

Life-threatening emergency

☎️

Poison Control

1-800-222-1222 (24/7, free)

Sports / play injury

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Call 911 if: Bone visible, limb at wrong angle, severe bleeding, neck/back pain, or can't move limb at all

1

Stop the activity

Don't "play through" pain. Rest immediately.

2

RICE: Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate

Ice 20 min on, 20 off. Wrap with elastic bandage. Raise above heart.

3

Don't move if neck/back injury suspected

Keep still, call 911.

4

See doctor if: severe swelling, can't bear weight, deformity

May need X-ray to check for fracture.

Head injury / concussion

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Call 911 if: Unconscious, seizure, repeated vomiting, one pupil larger, weakness on one side, slurred speech

1

Remove from activity immediately

"When in doubt, sit it out."

2

Check for red flags

Confusion, memory loss, headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light.

3

Monitor for 24-48 hours

Wake them every 2-3 hours first night to check responsiveness.

4

See doctor before returning to sports

Need medical clearance. Second impact can be severe.

Concussion recovery:

Rest (physical AND mental), limit screens, gradual return to activities. Most recover in 1-4 weeks.

Allergic reaction

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Call 911 if: Throat swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, vomiting, or symptoms spreading

1

Use EpiPen if prescribed and severe

Outer thigh, through clothing OK. Call 911 after.

2

Give antihistamine for mild reaction

Children's Benadryl by weight for hives/itching.

3

Have child lie down if dizzy

Elevate legs unless breathing is difficult.

4

Monitor for 4+ hours

Reactions can return.

Breathing difficulty / asthma

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Call 911 if: Lips/fingernails turning blue, can't speak in sentences, rescue inhaler not helping after 15 min

1

Sit child upright

Leaning slightly forward helps breathing.

2

Use rescue inhaler if available

2-4 puffs with spacer if possible. Wait 1 min between puffs.

3

Stay calm

Panic makes breathing harder. Reassure the child.

4

Repeat inhaler every 20 min if needed

Up to 3 times. If no improvement, call 911.

Fever or illness

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Call 911 if: Difficulty breathing, stiff neck with fever, purple rash, severe pain, confused or unresponsive

1

Take temperature

Fever = 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

2

Give fever reducer

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) by weight.

3

Keep hydrated

Water, clear broth, electrolyte drinks. Small frequent sips.

4

Call doctor if:

Fever over 104°F, lasts 3+ days, or child looks very ill.