5.5 Identify serious injury requiring urgent medical attention in babies and children

This guide will help you answer 5.5 Identify serious injury requiring urgent medical attention in babies and children.

Understanding how to identify serious injuries in babies and children is a critical skill for Early Years Practitioners. Recognising the signs of serious injury and taking prompt action can save a child’s life or prevent further harm. Babies and children have unique needs, and their injuries can present differently from those of adults. This guide will explain what types of injuries are serious, the signs to look out for, and what actions are necessary to respond effectively. Always seek advice from a medical professional and refer to websites like the NHS for the latest information. The information below is not medical advice.

Serious Injuries in Babies and Children

Serious injury refers to physical harm that could result in significant long-term health consequences, permanent damage, or even death when left untreated. Babies and children are physically more fragile than adults, so what may seem like a minor issue in an adult can quickly escalate into a critical situation in a child. As an Early Years Practitioner, you must be aware of these injuries to act appropriately and provide the best support for the child.

Examples of injuries requiring urgent medical attention include:

• Severe head injuries
• Broken bones or fractures
• Severe burns
• Deep cuts or wounds
• Choking or difficulty breathing
• Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Poisoning
• Eye injuries
• Electrical shock injuries

Each of these injuries requires professional medical intervention to ensure the child’s health and safety. Next, we will explore signs for each injury that indicate the need for urgent medical attention.

Recognising Severe Head Injuries

Head injuries in babies and children are particularly dangerous. The skull protects the brain, but it is not fully developed in young children, making them more vulnerable to serious injuries. A head injury can occur after falls, accidents, or impacts.

Signs a head injury needs urgent attention include:

• Loss of consciousness, even if brief
• Drowsiness or inability to wake the child
• Seizures (uncontrollable shaking)
• Clear fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears
• Vomiting repeatedly after the injury
• Disorientation or confusion
• Unequal pupil sizes
• A noticeable soft or sunken spot on a baby’s head (fontanelle)
• Severe headache that does not go away

When these signs are present, you must call 999 or take the child to Accident and Emergency (A&E).

Recognising Broken Bones or Fractures

Young children and babies may be unable to tell you they have a broken bone. You need to spot the physical and behavioural signs.

These could include:

• Swelling, bruising, or pain in one specific area
• The child refusing to use or move the affected limb
• A visible deformity or bone sticking out through the skin
• The injured area being warm to the touch
• Hearing or noticing a “snap” or unusual sound during the injury

Broken bones always need medical attention, especially if the skin is broken or the limb is misaligned.

Identifying Severe Burns

Burns can damage both skin and tissue underneath. In some cases, burns can cause shock or lead to infections.

Signs that a burn is serious include:

• Burns that are larger than the size of the child’s hand
• Burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints
• Deep burns where the skin looks white, charred, or leathery
• Swelling, blistering, or severe redness around the area
• Signs of infection like pus, foul odours, or fever

A severe burn requires immediate first aid and professional medical help, which could involve calling 999.

Recognising Deep Cuts or Wounds

Children can injure themselves with sharp objects or falls, leading to cuts. While some may be minor, others can be dangerous.

Seek urgent help if:

• The cut will not stop bleeding after applying pressure for 10 minutes
• The cut is very large, deep, or gaping
• The wound has something embedded in it, like glass
• There is muscle, fat, or bone visible
• The wound was caused by something dirty or rusty, increasing infection risk
• The child shows signs of shock, such as pale skin or confusion

You should apply first aid to control the bleeding but take the child to A&E or call 999 without delay if these signs are present.

Recognising Choking or Breathing Difficulties

Choking and breathing problems are emergencies. Babies and young children can choke on food, small objects, or liquids. Breathing difficulties can also stem from asthma, allergic reactions, or infections like croup.

Watch for these signs:

• The child cannot cry, cough, or speak
• Their face turns blue or pale
• Gasping or noisy breathing
• Wheezing or tightness in the chest
• Breathing slowly, or stopping completely

If choking, back blows and abdominal thrusts (for children over 1 year old) may need to be performed. Call 999 immediately if the child is not breathing properly.

Recognising Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can happen quickly. Allergies to nuts, dairy, insect stings, or medications are common triggers.

Symptoms to look out for:

• Swelling of the tongue, lips, or face
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Extreme itchiness or raised red skin (hives)
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach pain
• Dizziness, fainting, or collapse

An auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) should be used if prescribed. Call 999 regardless of symptoms improving after its use.

Recognising Poisoning

Poisoning in young children can happen if they ingest harmful substances like cleaning products, medications, or plants. Symptoms depend on what they have swallowed, inhaled, or touched.

Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Drowsiness or unconsciousness
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach pain
• Burns or redness around the mouth
• Unusual behaviour like confusion or agitation
• Seizures

Do not try to make the child vomit. Contact 999 or a poison helpline immediately.

Recognising Eye Injuries

The eyes are delicate and require immediate care if injured. Eye injuries might be caused by objects, chemicals, or trauma.

Signs of serious harm include:

• Blood visible in the eye
• Eye swelling or bruising
• Persistent pain or sensitivity to light
• Loss of vision or blurred vision
• Pupils of an unusual shape or colour
• A sharp object stuck in or near the eye

Do not rub the eye or try to remove anything embedded. Cover the eye and get emergency medical help.

Recognising Electrical Shock Injuries

Electrical shocks from household appliances or wires can result in internal organ damage, burns, or worse.

Signs might include:

• Burns to the skin, especially on the hand or mouth
• Difficulty breathing or an irregular heartbeat
• Seizures or unconsciousness
• Muscle pain or stiffness

Turn off the source of electricity if safe to do so. Seek immediate medical attention regardless of symptoms.

Responding to Serious Injuries

Knowing how to act as an Early Years Practitioner is critical. Follow these steps:

1. Stay calm and assess the situation. Your calm attitude reassures the child.
2. Call 999 immediately if unsure or symptoms are life-threatening.
3. Perform first aid while waiting for emergency services. For example, applying pressure to a bleeding wound or performing CPR if the child is not breathing.
4. Always inform parents or carers. Make sure you explain what happened and how the child is being treated.
5. Record the incident. Follow your setting’s procedures for documenting accidents and injuries.

It’s important to keep your first aid training up to date. Regular practice ensures that you’re prepared when emergencies arise.

Conclusion

Recognising serious injuries in babies and young children is a vital part of keeping them safe. Always trust your instincts. If in doubt, seek immediate medical help. Knowing the signs of severe head injuries, broken bones, burns, deep cuts, breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, poisoning, eye injuries, and electrical shocks is key to acting quickly. Your attentiveness and swift action can make a big difference to a child’s recovery and future health.