^ First Aid Tips Parents Need to Know

Summer is right around the corner, and that means kids will be out of school, outdoors, and . . . most likely . . . finding new ways to injure themselves. If you're a parent, or you'll be around kids this summer, here are six first-aid tips you HAVE to know . . .

#1.) NOSEBLEEDS. They're caused by dry air, allergies, and soccer balls to the face. Tilt the child's head FORWARD, not back, and apply pressure to the space above the upper lip, right below the nose. If the bleeding doesn't stop in 20 minutes, go to the ER.

--Most people think you're supposed to tilt your head BACK if you get a nosebleed, but if you do, blood can run down your esophagus or into your lungs, causing vomiting or choking.

#2.) KNOCKED OUT TEETH. If it's a baby tooth, put it under a pillow and make an appointment for your child to see the dentist. Losing a baby tooth doesn't matter, but you'll want to make sure the fall didn't affect how the PERMANENT teeth will grow in.

--If it's a permanent tooth, rinse it and store it in milk, then go to the dentist as soon as possible. DON'T put it in water, DON'T handle it too much, and DON'T brush it. All three things can make the tooth unsalvageable.

#3.) DISLOCATED JOINTS. Call 911 or go to the hospital. Whatever you do, DON'T try to pop it back into place. You'll almost certainly screw it up, and if you do, you can damage the bone, the surrounding muscles and nearby nerves.

#4.) ACCIDENTAL POISONING. If a child starts complaining about a stomach ache and says his "juice" tasted funny, don't be surprised if that "juice" was actually engine coolant or medication. If you think your child ate or drank something toxic, stay calm.

--If the child seems drowsy, cranky, or suddenly congested, call 911 or poison control. But DON'T induce vomiting unless a 911 operator or a poison control expert tells you to.

#5.) BURNS. Don't use ice, butter or oil on burns. First-degree burns should be soaked in cold water, then treated with first-air cream. If the burn looks bad or covers a large area of skin, see a doctor. Electrical burns and chemical burns require immediate care.

--Electrical burns aren't always visible on the skin, but they can cause internal injuries, so make sure the child sees a doctor. For a chemical burn, remove any clothing that might have been in contact with the chemical, and wash the burned area with A LOT of water.

--Don't use any creams or ointments on a chemical burn since they can cause a chemical reaction and make the burn even worse.

#6.) PUNCTURE WOUNDS. If your child steps on a nail or a large piece of glass, don't hesitate to call 911. Bandage the area, and leave the object in place if it's still there. But if your child already pulled it out, apply pressure to control the bleeding.

--Just make sure you wash your hands before handling ANY open wound. And when in doubt, call the doctor immediately.

(AskMen.com)