Common Playground Injuries and How to Treat Them
Information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice and you always seek appropriate professional help or seek immediate medical attention for serious conditions. See full disclaimer here
🛝 Common Playground Injuries and How to Treat Them
Playgrounds should be fun and safe — but bumps, scrapes, and falls are part of growing up.
Most injuries are minor, but knowing how to respond quickly and calmly helps children recover faster and prevents small problems from becoming big ones.
Here’s how to treat the most common playground injuries.
🤕 1. Cuts and Grazes
What happens: Scraped knees, elbows, or hands are the most common playground injuries.
What to do:
Clean the wound with cool running water to remove dirt and grit.
Pat dry gently with a clean cloth or sterile dressing.
Apply a plaster or non-stick dressing to protect the area.
Reassure and praise the child — sometimes that’s what they need most!
If the wound is deep, dirty, or bleeding heavily, apply pressure with a clean cloth and seek medical advice.
🩹 2. Bumps and Bruises
What happens: Minor falls or knocks can cause bruises or lumps.
What to do:
Apply a cold compress or ice pack for up to 10 minutes.
Elevate the injured area if possible.
Reassure the child and keep an eye on the bruise.
If swelling is severe, or if the child can’t move the area normally (e.g. wrist or ankle), get it checked by a medical professional.
🦶 3. Sprains and Strains
What happens: Twisting an ankle or wrist during play.
What to do (R.I.C.E. method):
R – Rest: Stop the activity and rest the injured area.
I – Ice: Apply a cold pack for up to 10 minutes.
C – Comfort: Use a bandage (not too tight) to support the injury.
E – Elevation: Raise the limb on a cushion.
If the child can’t put weight on it or the joint looks misshapen, call 111 or go to A&E.
🧠 4. Head Bumps
What happens: Children bump heads easily while running, climbing, or playing.
What to do:
Apply a cold compress for up to 10 minutes.
Keep the child calm and watch for symptoms over the next few hours such as:
Drowsiness or confusion
Vomiting
Loss of balance
Unusual behaviour or speech
If any of these symptoms appear, call 999 or 112 immediately.
If there’s just a small bump and no other symptoms, monitor the child for 24 hours.
🦷 5. Knocked-Out or Broken Teeth
What happens: Falls can sometimes injure the mouth or teeth.
What to do:
If a baby tooth comes out, don’t try to reinsert it — see a dentist.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out:
Pick it up by the crown, not the root.
Rinse gently in milk or saliva (not water).
Try to place it back into the socket if possible. But don’t force it.
If not possible, store it in milk and go to a dentist or A&E immediately.
🩸 6. Nosebleeds
What happens: Common after a bump to the face or nose.
What to do:
Sit the child down and lean them forward (not back).
Pinch the soft part of the nose just below the bridge for 10 minutes then check.
- Check to see if it has stopped even 10 minutes.
Encourage them to breathe through their mouth.
Avoid blowing or picking the nose for several hours afterwards.
If bleeding doesn’t stop after 30 minutes or is heavy, seek medical help.
🏥 When to Get Medical Help
Call 999 or 112 if:
The child becomes unresponsive or unusually drowsy
There is severe bleeding or a suspected broken bone
They have vomited more than once after a head injury
There’s any doubt about the seriousness of the injury
🧡 Keep Playtime Safe
Check equipment for loose bolts, rust, or sharp edges.
Make sure play areas are age-appropriate.
Encourage children to wear suitable shoes and avoid overcrowded play frames.
Always supervise young children.
Learn Paediatric First Aid with DAC Education
Our Paediatric and Family First Aid courses cover childhood emergencies, from playground bumps to serious incidents — giving parents, carers, and staff the confidence to act fast and effectively.
👉 Join a Paediatric First Aid Course
(Delivered at our Suffolk HQ or on-site for groups of six or more.)
Disclaimer
This article provides general first aid advice. Always call 999 or 112 in a medical emergency, or if you’re unsure about the severity of a child’s injury.