52913 DHS safety flip chart 6/1/05 4:27 PM Page 24

❏ Bumps and Bruises

A bruise is a discolored area of the skin caused by blood leaking under the skin and
remaining trapped. A new bruise is generally black or purple, and gradually fades to
green and yellow before disappearing. The process of healing can take up to 10 days
to complete. Bruises can be sore and tender to touch.

➔ Young children often experience bruising during normal play activities;

( Activate emergency medical services (911) if signs of shock are

observed: loss of consciousness, cool, clammy skin, profuse sweating,
rapid heart rate, rapid shallow breathing;

➔ For minor bruises, apply ice pack immediately after a bump to reduce
the extent of bruising and swelling. Apply ice, placed in a plastic bag and
wrapped in a towel to the injured area; on 10 minutes, off 10 minutes for
maximum 3 cycles;

➔ Notify parent if the bruise is on the face or head, or if you suspect there
is a fracture. See BONE INJURIES in this flipchart;

Document the event, actions taken, any calls made and follow-up infor-
mation in the child’s file with a duplicate copy to the parent. Document
bruises which are obtained during the program day and as well as those
the child arrives with. Remember, to document the size, color, and location
of a bruise, along with the explanation of how the injury occurred. Child
care programs should notify their licensing or certifying agency if emer-
gency medical services were activated. See Child Abuse in this flipchart.

❏ Additional Information: How Bruises Heal

In darker-skinned individuals, assessing the age of a bruise may be more difficult.

0–5 days from injury Red, blue, or dark purple in color

5–7 days from injury Green in color
7–10 days from injury Yellowish (fading from green)
10–14 days from injury Brown, beginning to fade from sight

Bumps and Bruises

[F-9]
FIRST AID