At Ocean Pediatrics, we believe that pediatric care doesn’t stop at the office door. Far from it — care lives everywhere, on the playground, at the dinner table, by the pool. And sometimes, it’s in those unexpected, urgent moments when a parent’s calm response can make all the difference.

Knowing a few key emergency maneuvers can help you act quickly and confidently if the unthinkable happens. Here’s what every parent should know: no medical degree required — just care, compassion, and a little preparation to keep your little ones protected.

CPR: a heartbeat in your hands

If your child ever stops breathing or their heart stops beating, every second matters. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, helps keep oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs until emergency help arrives. For infants, CPR involves two fingers for compressions and small, gentle breaths. For older children, it means full chest compressions and rescue breaths.

It sounds intimidating, but with just a few hours of hands-on training, you can learn this lifesaving skill. Many local organizations, like the American Heart Association, offer CPR classes tailored for parents. It’s something we hope you’ll never have to use, but something you’ll be so grateful to know.

The Heimlich maneuver: clearing the way

Choking is one of those emergencies that can escalate in seconds. Whether it’s a piece of food or a small object, knowing how to act fast can save your child’s life. For babies under one year, you’ll alternate between five back blows and five chest thrusts. For toddlers and older kids, you’ll use quick abdominal thrusts — what we commonly call the Heimlich. If your child ever becomes unconscious from choking, call 911 and begin CPR right away.

Burn care: acting quickly, gently and safely

Burns happen fast—hot pans, bathwater that’s too warm, a cup of coffee tipped from the counter. Here’s how to respond:

• For minor burns (red skin and no blisters), run cool (not cold) water over the area for several minutes.
• For deeper burns (blisters or white, leathery skin), cover the area loosely with a clean cloth and seek medical care.

Never use ice, butter, or toothpaste, as these old remedies can actually make things worse. When in doubt, give us a call. We’re always here to guide you.

Light wounds & first aid: stay covered

From playground tumbles to backyard adventures, kids get cuts — it’s part of growing up. But knowing how to clean and cover them properly helps prevent infection and promotes healing. First, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Then rinse with clean water, and skip the hydrogen peroxide, which can irritate tissue. Finally, apply a kid-safe antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. 

If the cut is deep, won’t stop bleeding, or came from something dirty or rusty, it’s time to check in with your pediatrician. Also, make sure your child is up to date on their Hepatitis B and Dtap (tetanus) vaccines as well, as these infections are transmitted through the blood.

Seizures: be steady, be ready

If your child ever has a seizure, your calm can help them stay safe. Follow these simple tips at the first sign of seizure: 

• Gently ease them to the ground and roll them onto their side.
• Clear away anything hard or sharp nearby.
• Don’t put anything in their mouth.
• Time the seizure, and if it lasts longer than five minutes, call 911.

Even a brief seizure deserves follow-up care. At Ocean Pediatrics, we’re here to help you navigate what comes next with clarity and compassion.

Emergencies happen: so be prepared, not panicked

When it comes to the unexpected, you don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to remember every step. But learning these basic emergency maneuvers gives you something powerful: the ability to help until professionals arrive.

At Ocean Pediatrics, we’re here to support families across Orange County, in every way. If you’re interested in classes covering topics like CPR or first aid, just ask — we’re happy to point you in the right direction. Because being prepared is the peace of mind you need, and your family deserves. 

Stay safe out there!