When it comes to childhood injuries, pinched fingers are more dangerous than people think. While most people will keep an eye out on the locking side of the door for little fingers, there is a risk that children will put their finger along the door hinge as it’s being opened. Here’s what you should do if a child gets a finger caught in the door hinge area.
Rest, Ice and Elevate
Start with having the person sit down and rest. Try to get the hand elevated above the heart, and soak the hand in cool water. When dealing with very young children, you may find that holding a bag of frozen vegetables or fruit to the injured area is easier. This will minimize swelling and help alleviate pain.
Something for the Pain
This is a painful injury, so you’ll want to provide the child with a toy as a distraction, or let him watch his favorite show. You may also want to give her some ibuprofen to alleviate the pain and decrease inflammation levels.
Check for Injury
In some cases, pinched fingers also come with serious cuts that need to be stitched. However, another concern is broken bones. Carefully inspect the fingers to see if they are bent out of shape or seem excessively swollen. If so, you’ll need to have the injury professionally assessed and treated. Keep in mind that trauma to the nailbed will often result in a damaged nail. Blood may pool under the nail and turn it black and blue. In some cases, the nail may actually fall off as a result of the injury. A new nail will eventually grow back into place, and it can be covered with some antibiotic cream and a small bandage in the meantime.
Prevention for the Future
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help avoid injuries in the future. While there is no substitution for proper supervision, the fact is that accidents can still happen. In addition to keeping an eye on children while the door is in use, people are also encouraged to install door finger shields on the hinge side of the door. These simple devices effectively prevent children from putting their fingers into the hinge area of a door.
Protect the children in your care by paying close attention to the doors. You’ll rest easy knowing that their little fingers are safe, and you won’t have to worry about the more serious consequences, including nerve damage and amputations.