Parents

All the advice for adult patients is equally applicable to those looking after a child with a wound, but in addition the parent should be advised to:

• Explain what is going to happen, how long it will take and whether it will hurt, in language the child will understand
• Be on hand for emotional support and to comfort the child during the procedure
• Help put him or her at ease - perhaps by applying a dressing to a favourite doll or teddy bear
• Help distract his or her attention with toys, books, games, blowing bubbles etc.
• Help with dressings if this would make the child more comfortable
• Ask for additional pain relief if needed