Seizures
Jerking, stiffening, or unresponsiveness with rhythmic movements
Call 911 / go to ER if…
- Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
- First seizure ever, or repeats without waking between episodes
- Trouble breathing, blue lips, or injury during the seizure
- Child is under 6 months old
What to do now
- 1Stay calm and note the start time.
- 2Gently lay your child on their side on a soft, flat surface.
- 3Clear away anything hard or sharp nearby.
- 4Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
- 5Stay with your child until fully awake and breathing normally.
Do NOT
- Do NOT put anything in the mouth.
- Do NOT hold them down or restrain movements.
- Do NOT give food, drink, or medicine until fully awake.
Afterward: Most febrile seizures stop on their own in under 5 minutes. After it ends, your child may be sleepy — let them rest on their side and call your pediatrician the same day.
Related poison first-aid
Guidelines for this section
- Seizures — First Aid — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
- Seizure First Aid for Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — HealthyChildren.org
- Febrile Seizures in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — HealthyChildren.org
High Fever
Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Call 911 / go to ER if…
- Any fever in a baby under 3 months (100.4°F / 38°C+) — go to the ER now
- Stiff neck, severe headache, or a rash that doesn't blanch when pressed
- Trouble breathing, blue lips, or unresponsive / very limp
- Seizure, signs of dehydration (no wet diapers, no tears), or confusion
What to do now
- 1Confirm the temperature with a reliable thermometer (rectal is most accurate for infants).
- 2Dress lightly and keep the room comfortably cool.
- 3Offer fluids frequently — small sips count.
- 4Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen (6+ months) dosed by weight — use the Dosing Calculator.
- 5Recheck temperature and comfort every 1–2 hours.
Do NOT
- Do NOT give aspirin to children or teens.
- Do NOT use ice baths or alcohol rubs.
- Do NOT bundle them in heavy blankets to 'sweat it out'.
Afterward: Fever itself is the body fighting infection — treat the child, not the number. See the pediatrician if it lasts more than 3 days or your child seems unusually sick.
Related poison first-aid
Guidelines for this section
- Medications Used to Treat Fever — American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Fever Without Fear: Information for Parents — American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
Choking
Unable to breathe, cry, or speak; grabbing at the throat
Call 911 / go to ER if…
- Cannot breathe, cough, or make sounds — call 911 (or have someone call) and start aid immediately
- Becomes unconscious — begin CPR if trained
- Bluish color around lips or face
What to do now
- 1If the child is coughing forcefully, let them cough — do not interfere.
- 2If they cannot breathe: give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
- 3Then 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) for children over 1 year — inward and upward above the navel.
- 4For infants under 1 year: 5 back blows, then 5 chest thrusts with two fingers — NEVER abdominal thrusts.
- 5Repeat cycles until the object comes out or help arrives.
Do NOT
- Do NOT do blind finger sweeps in the mouth.
- Do NOT slap the back while the child is upright and coughing.
- Do NOT give water to 'wash it down'.
Afterward: Even if the object comes out, see a doctor the same day — small pieces can remain. If the child swallowed a button battery or magnet, go to the ER immediately even with no symptoms.
Related poison first-aid
Guidelines for this section
- Choking Prevention & First Aid — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — HealthyChildren.org
Allergic Reactions
Hives, swelling, vomiting, or breathing trouble after food, sting, or medicine
Call 911 / go to ER if…
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or face; hoarse voice or trouble swallowing
- Wheezing, trouble breathing, or repeated coughing
- Pale, limp, dizzy, or fainting — signs of anaphylaxis
- Two or more body systems involved (e.g., hives + vomiting)
What to do now
- 1Give epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) immediately if prescribed — into the outer thigh, hold 3 seconds.
- 2Call 911 after giving epinephrine, even if symptoms improve.
- 3Lay the child flat with legs raised; if vomiting or breathing is hard, sit them up slightly.
- 4Give a second epinephrine dose after 5–15 minutes if symptoms persist.
- 5For mild hives only (no other symptoms): antihistamine by weight and watch closely for 4–6 hours.
Do NOT
- Do NOT wait to see if it gets worse — epinephrine works best early.
- Do NOT rely on antihistamines for a severe reaction.
- Do NOT let the child walk or stand suddenly if dizzy.
Afterward: Always go to the ER after using epinephrine — a second wave of symptoms (biphasic reaction) can occur hours later. Ask your pediatrician about an allergist referral.
Related poison first-aid
Guidelines for this section
- Anaphylaxis: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — HealthyChildren.org
Educational first-aid guidance only — it does not replace emergency medical care. When in doubt, call 911.