If a child complains of abdominal pain after a fall, what should you do first?

When a child complains of abdominal pain after a fall, activating EMS and helping the child lie down is the most appropriate first step. This approach is crucial because abdominal pain can indicate a serious injury, such as internal bleeding or damage to organs, especially following a traumatic event like a fall. Immediate medical assistance is essential in such cases to ensure that the child receives a proper evaluation and treatment.

By helping the child lie down, you provide them with comfort and a position that minimizes movement, which can help prevent further injury or discomfort. It also creates a safer environment while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. Administering first aid or other interventions without professional guidance may pose risks, especially with potential internal injuries that require careful assessment.

Other options, such as encouraging the child to drink water or applying heat to the abdomen, could potentially exacerbate the situation by adding stress to an injured area or complicating diagnostic processes if the child needs surgery. Checking for visible injuries is important, but it should not take precedence over activating EMS in cases where abdominal pain is involved, as time-sensitive medical evaluation is critical.