Basic First Aid Every Nanny Should Know

Why First Aid Knowledge Is Essential

Accidents happen even in the safest homes. Knowing how to respond calmly and correctly can prevent a small injury from becoming serious — and in life-threatening situations, it can save a child's life.

Cuts and Scrapes

Stay calm and reassure the child.

Wash the wound gently under clean running water for at least 5 minutes.

Pat dry with a clean cloth or gauze.

Apply antiseptic cream or spray if available.

Cover with a clean bandage or plaster.

Watch for signs of infection over the next few days (redness, swelling, pus, warmth).

Seek medical help if: The cut is deep, won't stop bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure, or has a foreign object in it.

Burns and Scalds

Remove the child from the source of heat.

Cool the burn under cold running water for at least 10 minutes. Do NOT use ice.

Do NOT put butter, toothpaste, or any cream on the burn.

Cover loosely with a clean non-fluffy cloth (like cling film/plastic wrap).

Seek medical help for any burn larger than a 50c coin, burns on the face/hands/genitals, or any burn that blisters.

Choking

If the child can cough: Encourage them to keep coughing. Do not pat their back — this can push the object deeper.

If the child cannot breathe, cough, or cry:

Call emergency services immediately.

Lean the child forward and give up to 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

Give up to 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) — NOT for babies under 1.

Alternate back blows and abdominal thrusts until the object comes out or help arrives.

Falls and Head Injuries

Comfort the child and check for obvious injury.

Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to bumps (do not apply ice directly to skin).

Watch the child carefully for the next 24 hours.

Go to hospital immediately if the child: loses consciousness, vomits more than once, has a seizure, has a very large bump, or is unusually sleepy.

Always Report Accidents

No matter how minor, always tell parents about any accident or injury. Write down what happened, when, and what you did. Parents need to know so they can monitor their child's health.