HEALTH AND SAFETY KATIE BRUNK AND ALEXANDER BENSON FONDERSMITH

SAFETY ISSUES FROM BIRTH TO AGE TWO Small toys, magnets, jewelry, cords and strings in the child’s

reach

Bacteria, viruses and parasites can be found on many surfaces that babies and toddlers touch as well as things that they put in their mouth

Changing tables not sanitized, diapers/pull-ups not properly disposed of

Recalled medications, toys, items, etc. not disposed of, or taken out of the child care center

Not enough caregivers for the infants/toddlers

SAFETY ISSUES FROM AGE THREE TO FIVE Dangerous tools, sharp objects, and cleaning items

around or in the child’s reach

Misuse of bikes, tricycles, scooters, roller skates, etc.

Crossing the street without a grown up, stepping off of the curb and into the street

Swimming safety and not learning how to swim

Unbuckled seatbelt

TOP 5 FOOD CHOKING HAZARDS Hard candy

Nuts

Grapes

Marshmallows or popcorn

Meat and bones

PREVENTION OF HAZARDS FROM BIRTH TO AGE TWO Choking Hazards

Keep small toys, objects out of reach Keep cords, strings, blinds away from children and out of reach Cut food

Unsanitary surfaces

Clean and sanitize all surfaces Clean and sanitize toys, eating utensils, anything child puts in mouth Clean and sanitize all bathroom and kitchen areas

Changing tables cleaned and diapers disposal

Changing tables sanitized and cleaned after each use Diapers and pull-ups properly disposed of Proper ventilation for changing areas

Recalled items

Dispose of all recalled items Keep updated list of recalled items so teachers may watch for them Administrators and Teachers should check regularly for new recalled items

Caregiver ratio

One caregiver for every three infants in a group size of six One caregiver for every four infants in a group size of eight Caregivers should be always present and properly certified

PREVENTION OF HAZARDS FROM AGES THREE TO FIVE Sharp or dangerous items in child’s reach

Keep sharp objects out of child care center Keep all cleaners away from children Never allow children to be around or touch hot surfaces

Misuse of equipment and wheeled toys

Wear helmets when riding a bike or scooter Wear helmets and pads when roller skating Learn how to properly ride bikes, scooters, etc.

Crossing the street

Always cross the street with a grown-up Never step off the curb and into the street alone Teach child to use crosswalks and hold hands with adults and/or older children

Swim Safety

Teach children how to swim around this age Always wear a lifejacket on a boat/dock/etc. Never swim alone

Unbuckled seat belt

Always buckle the seatbelt upon entering the vehicle Make sure the car seats fit vehicles properly Make sure that the child is correctly secured in the car/booster seat

POISON CONTROL AND PROCEDURESPoison Control Number 1-800-222-1222

Poisoning Procedures:

Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if the person is:

• Drowsy or unconscious• Having difficulty breathing or has stopped breathing• Uncontrollably restless or agitated• Having seizures

If the suspected poison consumed is a household cleaner or other chemical, read the label and follow instructions for accidental poisoning. If the product is toxic, the label will advise you to call the poison center at 800-222-1222. Also call this number if you can't identify the poison, if it's medication or if there are no instructions then follow treatment directions that are given by the poison control center.

FIRST AID FOR BURNS1st Degree Burns

• For minor burns, place under cold water for 10-15 minutes or until pain subsides. Don’t use ice or apply any ointments onto the burn.

2nd Degree Burns

• Do not break blisters, cool the burn and reduce the swelling, if swelling continues seek medical attention. Take over-the-counter pain relievers if burns continue to hurt. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage.

3rd Degree Burns

• Call 911 immediately. Don’t remove burned clothing, but make sure victim is no longer in contact with smoke/heat. Do not immerse in cold water, and check for circulation (breathing, coughing or body movement). Elevate the part of the burned body and cover it with a cool or moist sterile bandage/cloth/towels.

FIRST AID FOR CHOKING

Indicators of choking are: inability to talk, cough, lips and skin turn blue or loss of consciousness. (victim is NOT choking when still coughing)

Start with 5 back blows- between the persons shoulderblades with the heel of your hand

Give 5 Abdominal thrusts- (also known as Heimlich maneuver) Stand behind person, make fist with one hand and grasp with the other. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust, aiming for between the ribs.

Alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts until object dislodged. Call 911 if victim is not responded or becomes unconscious. Then preform CPR

FIRST AID FOR CUTS AND BRUISES

Cuts

• Stop the bleeding by applying pressure and elevating the wound

• Once bleeding has stopped, clean the wound• Apply an antibiotic • Cover the wound• Change the dressing at least daily• Seek medical attention if wounds are deep

Bruises

• Elevate injured area • Apply ice, rest bruised area if possible• Take a pain reliever if needed

FIRST AID FOR FALLS (FRACTURES/SPRAINS)If the person is unresponsive call 911 and start preforming CPR. Try to stay away from hurt areas

For treating fractures

• If the bone has pierced the skin, there is any heavy bleeding, if the limb or joint appears deformed call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.

• Stop any bleeding, and immobilize the injured area• Apply ice to limit swelling until help arrives • Treat for shock

For treating sprains

• Rest the injured limb• Ice the area and reduce the swelling as much as possible• Compress the area with a wrap or bandage• Elevate injured area• Seek medical assistance if you are unable to bear weight onto injured

area or if the area feels numb

TREATING SHOCK Signs/Symptoms of person in shock

• Skin is cool and clammy and may even appear pale or gray. Pulse is weak and rapid and the person may feel nauseated and vomit. Eyes lack luster and pupils are dilated. Person may faint or become unconscious.

Treating Shock

• Call 911• Have the person lie down on their back with feet elevated

if there is no serious injury• Check for signs of circulation and keep the person warm

and comfortable• Turn them onto their side if they start to vomit or bleed

from the mouth

FIRST AID FOR A KNOCKED OUT TOOTH

• Collect teeth or teeth fragments• Re-insert tooth if possible or store tooth in whole milk to

prevent from drying• Control bleeding with gauze • For pain and swelling use a cool compress or take over-

the-counter pain medication • For serious injuries contact your dentist

TREATING LICE• Remove the lice and eggs with shampoo or by prescription• Stop the spread by sterilizing sheets, towels, furniture,

clothing, etc. Wash everything you can in hot water, things that cannot be washed should be placed in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks

• Contact your doctor if you still find lice

FIRST AID FOR A BEE STING (OR OTHER INSECTS)

Call 911 if the person has hives, feelings of faintness or dizziness, swollen tongue, a history of severe allergic reaction to stings.

• Remove the stinger• Control the swelling with ice, and elevate the area• Treat for pain/itchiness with over-the-counter painkillers or

antihistamines • Keep area clean to prevent infection

IMMUNIZATIONS FROM BIRTH TO AGE NINE

Chickenpox (varicella)

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (whooping cough)

Haemophilus influenza type B

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Influenza

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Meningococcal

Pneumococcal

Polio

Rotavirus

Whooping cough (pertussis) Booster

DISEASE DEFINITIONSChickenpox(varicella)

• Caused by a virus, spread person-to-person through the air and very contagious. Symptoms include itchy blisters and sores all over the body

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (whooping cough)

• All caused by bacteria releasing a toxin into the body, passed by bodily fluids and symptoms include sores, coughing, sneezing, cramps, and fever.

Haemophilus influenza type B

• Caused by bacteria, can cause meningitis and very contagious

Hepatitis A

• Caused by a virus, spread feces get into your mouth by eating contaminated food or water, during sex, or just by living with an infected person.

Hepatitis B

• Serious live disease caused by contact with infected persons blood or body fluids

Influenza

• Commonly known as flu, a virus that spreads upon contact and is very contagious

DISEASE DEFINITIONS Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

• Spread person-to-person and all very contagious. All viruses that may lead to more serious problems if left untreated

Meningococcal

• Bacteria that infect the blood, brain, and spinal cord. It is one of the most serious causes of meningitis

Pneumococcal

• Caused by bacteria, which can lead to serious infections in the lungs, blood, and brain, caught when people cough or sneeze around you

Polio

• Polio virus is spread when invisible particles of feces get into your mouth, swallowing contaminated food or water or by putting contaminated objects in your mouth. It can paralyze arm, leg, and breathing muscles

Rotavirus

• This virus can live on surfaces for months. It spreads when contaminated hands, toys, or other objects touch the mouth. Mostly infect young children and infants, symptoms include diarrhea, loss of appetite and dehydration

Whooping cough (pertussis) Booster

• Booster for tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough

FIRE EVACUATION PROCEDURES Develop a list of emergency phone numbers.

Move children and staff members out of buildings affected and relocated to another area of the property that is a safe distance away.

Always take attendance before and after

Keep first aid kit and cell phone with you at all times

Call 911 and wait for them to come and make sure the building is secure before you re-enter

RESOURCEShttp://childcare.sc.gov/main/docs/EmergencyPlanGuidelines.pdf

http://www.mayoclinic.org/

http://www.webmd.com/

http://www.immunize.org/