RHCG - Injuries: Falls

Injuries: Falls

Young children sometimes have injuries and accidents. Most are minor, but it's a good idea to know what to do if the accident or injury is more serious.

Call 999 if your child:

stops breathing
is struggling for breath (for example, you may notice them breathing fast, panting, becoming very wheezy, or see the muscles just under their ribcage sucking in when they breathe in)
is unconscious or seems unaware of what's going on
has a cut that will not stop bleeding or is gaping open
will not wake up
has a fit for the first time, even if they seem to recover

Take your child to the Emergency Department if they:

have severe tummy (abdominal) pain
have a leg or arm injury and cannot use the limb

If you're worried about your child and are not sure if they need medical help, call 111.

If you're unsure whether you should move your child, make sure they're warm and call 999.

Advice taken from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/first-aid/what-to-do-if-your-child-has-an-accident/

Where should I get help?

If your child does not have a life or limb threatening injury, consider calling NHS 24 on 111.

You may be allocated a virtual appointment on the same day with a doctor or nurse practitioner at our Flow Navigation Hub. This may avoid the need to travel to hospital.

If after talking to you and your child, they feel you do need to be seen at an Emergency Department or Minor Injury Unit they will direct you to your nearest one.

Self Care

For wear and tear, minor trips and everything in between.

Self-care

You can treat your child's very minor illnesses and injuries at home.

Some illnesses can be treated in your own home with support and advice from the services listed when required, using the recommended medicines and getting plenty of rest.

Sound advice

Children can recover from illness quickly but also can become more poorly quickly; it is important to seek further advice if a child's condition gets worse.

More information on common childhood injuries

Information on preventing accidents and injuries

Local Pharmacist

Pharmacists are experts in many aspects of healthcare. They are the first port of call for minor ailments and can provide advice and medication (if needed) for a wide range of long term conditions and common ailments including coughs and colds.

Pharmacy First is a free service. You do not need an appointment and many pharmacies have a private consultation area.

Your pharmacist will let you know if you need further medical attention.

Visit a pharmacy if your child is ill, but does not need to see a GP.
Remember that if your child's condition gets worse, you should seek further medical advice immediately.
Help your child to understand - watch this video with them about going to the pharmacy.

NHS 24

Sound advice

Use NHS 24 if you are unsure what to do next, have any questions about a condition or treatment or require information about local health services.

GP (General Practitioner)

GPs assess, treat and manage a whole range of health problems. They also provide health education, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical procedures. Your GP will arrange a referral to a hospital specialist should you need it.

Sound advice

You have a choice of service:

Doctors/GPs can treat many illnesses that do not warrant a visit to the Emergency Department.
For minor injuries such as cuts that need stitches, broken bones, sprains and minor burns in children aged 5 or over, go to one of our Minor Injury Units (MIU).

Emergency Department

Emergency departments provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attacks, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. If you’re not sure it’s an emergency, call 111 for advice.

Sound advice

Many visits to the Emergency Department and calls to 999 could be resolved by any other NHS services.
If your child's condition is not critical, choose another service to get them the best possible treatment.
Help your child to understand – watch this video with them about going to the Emergency Department or riding in an ambulance

Prevention

The Child Accident Prevention Trust website has good advice on preventing falls, and risks to look out for including:

Windows and balconies
Crawling babies/toddlers and what to do about stairs
Highchair safety
Bikes
Trampoline safety

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 04 October 2021

Next review: 04 October 2024

Approved By: Ciara Carrick