Imagine this scenario: you are at the playground with your fearless 3 year old. She jumps off the last step like she usually does, but this time she lands on her face. You are prepared to brush off the mulch and provide reassuring words, but when she stands up, all you see is blood. Her mouth is bleeding and you’re not sure what to do next.

Here are some tips about what to do, and how our practice can help.

• Stay calm. This is always easier said than done, but your children feed off your energy. Take a deep breath and keep your voice calm.
• Try to see where the bleeding is coming from. Provide a drink or ice pop (not red). Take a look at her teeth, too. If there is anything in her mouth, remove it. Apply pressure if the bleeding continues, and try to keep her from swallowing any blood, as blood can cause nausea when swallowed.
• Call 911 if your child has lost consciousness or if you don’t feel comfortable transporting your child with the injury she has.
• Call our office. If our office is open, you will be able to speak with someone who can help. If we are closed, we’ll return your call as soon as possible.

We can also help you decide whether you can stay at home and nurse the wounds, if you should come into the office, or if she should be seen at an emergency room or urgent care center.

Because they have pediatricians on staff who attend specifically to children’s needs, the Emergency Rooms in the Harrisburg area that we recommend are Harrisburg Hospital and Hershey Medical Center.

We’d only recommend an urgent care center if we aren’t open or can’t provide the appropriate service, so please call us first to decide where to go!