Most of the time, a little first aid at home is all your child needs. But sometimes it’s hard to know if an injury needs medical attention. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you decide when to seek care and keep your family safe this summer.

Common Summer Injuries in Children You Might Encounter

Some injuries and conditions are more common in the summer, including heat-related illnesses, bug bites, and cuts or bruises from increased activity. 

Not everything requires medical attention. Minor injuries that can be safe to treat at home include small cuts and scrapes that stop bleeding with a little gentle pressure, as well as mild sunburn and mosquito bites with normal local swelling.

For these minor cases, clean the area, apply appropriate first aid, keep your child comfortable, and watch for any changes in their demeanor or condition. Most kids bounce back quickly and you’ll never need to leave the house.

Heat-related conditions need more careful monitoring, especially with high temps and high humidity. If your child seems overheated, but is still alert, sweating, and able to drink fluids, then move them to a cool, shaded space and offer water. Most mild causes of heat stress resolve within 30 minutes with proper rest and hydration.

Signs It’s Time to Seek Urgent Medical Care

There’s a lot of ground between “treat at home” and “call 911”, and that’s when it’s the right time to visit an urgent care for children.

Head to a clinic like KidsStreet if your child has:

• A cut that doesn’t stop bleeding with 10 minutes of pressure, or has edges that may need stitches because they will not close on their own
• Possible sprains or broken bones with significant swelling/bruising, pain, and difficulty bearing weight
• Eye injuries from debris or impact
• Rashes that are severe and/or spread following a tick bite or insect sting
• Redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge at a wound site
• Suspected concussion after your child hits their head
• A burn that’s larger than a quarter, and/or blistering on the face, hands, or joints
• Any sunburn more than a standard, mild, first-degree burn
• Ear pain after swimming that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter treatment

Minor injuries in children can be handled at our clinics quickly and comfortably, so don’t hesitate to bring your child in for care.

When to Call 911 and Seek Emergency Care

Some summer situations go beyond what urgent care handles and require medical attention right away.

Call 911 if your child:

• Loses consciousness
• Has difficulty breathing
• Is excessively lethargic and/or difficult to awaken
• Shows signs of heat stroke with confusion, seizures, hot and dry skin, etc.
• Has a wound with uncontrolled bleeding
• Is having an allergic reaction to a bug bite or sting that causes any of the above conditions

For anything that isn’t an emergency, you can get peace of mind when you pay us a visit.

KidsStreet is open late 7 days a week! Summer injuries don’t follow a schedule, which means you need caring providers ready when you need us. 

Register online to save your spot in line so you can cut the wait and get back to enjoying summer as soon as possible. We’re here to help your child get back to feeling better and enjoying summer.