People have their things don’t they?
Some people don’t like vomit, it makes them feel sick. Some people don’t like poo and gag whenever they have to change a bottom, for some its blood, makes them feel queasy and lightheaded. For me, it’s the prospect of trapped fingers.
As I write this my fingers curl in imaginary anticipation and I feel all a quiver in my stomach. I don’t know why, but it’s my thing. Anyway, I digress. The chances of this happening with our little ones is quite high and some would say inevitable, and as it goes, apart from buying a vast number of hinge covers, or door stoppers it is a very likely accident that may occur.
In regards to First Aid when treating this, first thing, don’t panic.
Easier said than done I know but running around screaming whilst looking for fingers in front of traumatised little one won’t help the situation.
(I am talking to myself when writing this!)
Firstly, they are extremely bendy and flexible so the chances of finding broken bones or missing fingers as a result of trapped fingers in the door are quite slim. If the hand is intact, it’s worth checking the damage. Place the hand flat in the palm of yours and check for movement. Moving fingers around is a good sign that all is well. Extreme swelling may signal internal bleeding and broken bones and if this happens seek medical attention.
What you may find is little dents across the hand where the door closed in which case ice cubes in a tea towel will help to keep swelling down. Elevation can also help keep the blood pounding to that area, but trying to keep a toddler still long enough for them to elevate the limb in itself is a difficult thing.
Author:
Danielle Bridge – Mother of two and Founder of ABC Life Support discusses a number of 1st Aid topics that we may come up against in our experience as parents in the Early Years. Follow ABC Life Support on Twitter and Facebook.
