Injuries: Limbs
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Broken bones
- If you think your child's neck or spine may be injured, call 999. Do not move them. Unnecessary movement could cause paralysis.
- A bone in your child's leg or arm may be broken if they have pain and swelling, and the limb seems to be lying at a strange angle.
- If you cannot easily move your child without causing pain, call an ambulance.
- If you have to move your child, be very gentle. Put one hand above the injury and the other below it to steady and support it (use blankets or clothing if necessary). Comfort your child and take them to hospital.
- If you think your child is in pain, give them painkillers, even if you're going to the Emergency Department. Follow the dosage instructions on the label.
Advice taken from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/first-aid/what-to-do-if-your-child-has-an-accident/
Limping
If your child is limping, it's usually the sign of a minor injury such as a sprain or splinter. But see your GP if there's no obvious cause, as there may be a serious underlying medical condition.
This page on the NHS.net website has advice for parents whose child has started limping.
Physiotherapy advice
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.
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 |
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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. |
 Local Pharmacist |
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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. |
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 NHS 24 |
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| 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. |
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) |
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| 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:
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 Emergency Department |
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| 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
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Prevention
- 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
Author(s): Ciara Carrick