Even preschoolers can be taught to dial 911 and to apply
direct pressure to a cut. As children learn the names of the parts
of their bodies, they can be taught to take care of their bodies.
Kids are excited about learning first aid because it’s one more
step in becoming independent.
Model the skills you want to teach. With even a toddler,
explain what you are doing: “First, I have to wash the dirt and
blood from your scrape, and then...” and “Oops, I have a nose
bleed. I need to pinch my nose for at least 10 minutes...”
Use news and personal experiences to suggest topics. If the
television news shows a preschooler who called
911 to get help for his family, make sure your
children hear the story and understand which
situations require an emergency call. If you burn
yourself on the barbeque, ask your children to
describe the correct treatment (after the fact, if
necessary).
Discuss the situations shown on television, and
in movies, videos and books. Ask questions like,
“Is that realistic? If you tripped like that character
did, do you think you’d get hurt?”
Participate in safety and first aid related tours
and events. Take your kids to the fire station open
house when they can climb in the fire engine and
see fire fighters demonstrate “stop, drop and roll.”
Attend water safety events at your local pool and
the “teddy bear clinics” at hospitals. Encourage
school-age kids to participate in scout, Camp Fire
and Red Cross first aid classes.