3 Steps to Take If Your Child Suffers a Bad Fall

Children often fall during energetic play. While many kids brush off a minor fall without a second thought, there may be times when a fall causes more serious issues.

At American Pediatrics, we offer same-day appointments to address traumatic injuries caused by falls. Our experienced physicians assess the nature of the injury and provide the urgent care your child needs to start their recovery.  

The pediatric team can also refer you to a skilled orthopedist or other medical professional if your child needs additional diagnostic testing or specialized treatment.

Injuries that can result from a fall

Falling off the bed or from playground equipment can cause injuries ranging from mild to severe. Often, a fall to a hard surface results in abrasions and cuts that can progress into skin infections if not properly treated.

Falls can also lead to musculoskeletal injuries like:

• Fractures
• Muscle sprains
• Ligament or tendon tears
• Joint dislocation

More serious injuries that can result from a fall include organ damage and internal bleeding. Your child may also be susceptible to concussions if they hit their head against a hard surface or spine injuries if they land on their back.

Concussions and other severe injuries require immediate medical attention. If your child loses consciousness or has major bleeding, call 911 or visit the nearest hospital emergency room.

You can book a same-day appointment with our American Pediatrics team for other injuries. You can also use strategies to keep your child safe from further injury until our physicians can evaluate them.

3 steps you can take after your child falls

In the minutes after a fall, it’s important that you keep your child as calm and still as possible to prevent additional complications. It’s also essential that you remain calm so your child can feel comforted and safe.

When everyone is settled, follow these three steps to determine what your next steps will be:

1. Assess your child’s injuries

If your child can communicate their symptoms, check the areas for bleeding, bruising, and swelling. Use a clean cloth to stop any bleeding, and apply a bandage if necessary. An ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables can prevent excessive swelling.

If your child is complaining of pain, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help increase their comfort until our team can assess the injury.

2. Allow your child to rest

Falls can be a traumatic experience for kids, especially if they get hurt. Have your child rest as much as possible, but monitor them to ensure they remain conscious and easy to wake up.

Limit their activities until they feel better to lower risk factors for another fall and additional injuries. 

3. Keep an eye out for new symptoms

Sometimes, serious injuries don’t cause symptoms right away. If your child takes a nasty fall, continue to check their level of pain. Remain on the lookout for fall complications, such as breathing trouble, vomiting, changes in appetite, and difficulties walking or moving around.

If anything changes with your child’s health, seek medical attention without delay. Our pediatricians can coordinate your child’s care with other specialists. They provide follow-up visits to ensure your child is recovering well from a fall injury and has no lasting complications.

Call American Pediatrics in Irvine, California, today to schedule a same-day urgent care visit for fall-related injuries or book an appointment online.