Action: With your thumb and index finger, firmly apply pressure to the soft part of her nose for 10 minutes (she won't be able to breathe through her nostrils). Tip her head forward if necessary, so she isn't swallowing blood. If bleeding doesn't stop, repeat for another 10 minutes. If it still doesn't stop, go to a hospital, says Warda.
Don't: Stuff anything up the nose, such as tissue, and don't pull away scabs that have formed or bleeding will start again.
9. Your son cuts his foot on a broken beer bottle at the beach.
Action: Remove glass and debris from the wound, says Kearney, then soak his foot for five to 10 minutes in clean water or salt water (one teaspoon of salt to one cup of water). Cover with a bandage and seek medical attention. If his tetanus vaccination is not up to date, make sure he gets one right away.
Don't: Wash the foot with lake water or go on vacation without checking tetanus status.
10. A poisonous snake bites your dad on the lower leg while the two of you are hiking.
Action: Remove constricting rings, watches or tight clothing and get medical care to come as quickly as possible. Keep him still to prevent the venom from circulating and spreading in his body. Crowtz also recommends that you call ahead to the hospital so staff there can arrange for the antivenin.
Don't: Try to suck out poison – this exposes you to the poison and increases the risk of infection for your dad.
11. Your sister becomes dehydrated after being at the beach all day.
Action: Get her out of the sun and give her lots of water or a sports drink, says B.J. Chute, the director of public education for the Paramedic Association of Canada in Vancouver. A cool shower would be helpful, too.
Don't: Give her alcohol or coffee – they'll dehydrate her further.
12. Your 10-year-old gets motion sickness on a long car trip.
Action: Suggest he focus on a nonmoving object in the distance, such as a tree or mountain, or distract him with a word game. Put him in the front seat, or take a pit stop. If all else fails, try antinausea medication such as Gravol (25 to 50 milligrams for children six to 12), advises Colleen Brady, a pharmacist in Vancouver. Wait 30 minutes to let the medication take effect.
Don't: Let your son overeat if he's susceptible to motion sickness, and definitely don't give him greasy snacks during the trip.
13. You develop a bad case of urticaria (hives) while simply sitting on the front porch.
Action: To help relieve the itch, Kearney recommends soaking in an oatmeal bath (one to two cups of oatmeal added to warm water) or a baking soda bath (one tablespoon baking soda added to warm water). Talk to a pharmacist about an antihistamine or allergy medication.
Don't: Scratch.
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