If your child has just been bitten or scratched by an animal in Bali, take a deep breath. This situation is serious, but it is entirely manageable with the correct, immediate actions. This is your step-by-step emergency guide for a child animal bite in Bali.
Your First 60 Seconds: Prioritize Safety & Calm
Step 1: Remove Your Child from Danger
Quickly and calmly move your child to a safe location, away from the animal, to prevent any further incidents. Do not shout at the animal or run, as this can escalate the situation.
Step 2: Reassure Your Child
Your child will feed off your emotional state. Speak in a calm, soothing voice, even if you are scared. Hold them, tell them they are brave, and that you are going to the doctor to make it all better. Your calm confidence is the most important tool you have to keep your child from becoming more traumatized by the event.
The Next 15 Minutes: The Most Critical First Aid Step
Step 3: Wash the Wound Thoroughly
This is the single most important action you can take. Find the nearest source of clean, running water and soap. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for a full 15 minutes. Even if your child is crying and distressed, this step is non-negotiable and drastically reduces the risk of rabies and other infections.
The Next Hour: Immediate Medical Consultation is Non-Negotiable
After washing the wound, you must take your child for a professional medical evaluation without delay.
Step 4: Go Directly to a Medical Clinic
If a child is bitten by a dog in Bali, or any other mammal, this is not a ‘wait and see’ situation. Your next and only step is to go to a professional medical clinic.
Why a Doctor’s Visit is Essential for a Child
A doctor’s visit is essential for several reasons. First, every mammal bite in Bali carries a rabies risk, and a doctor must assess the need for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Second, your child will likely need a Tetanus booster, and the wound must be professionally cleaned to prevent bacterial infection. To understand the full scope of this risk, it is critical to read our guide to Rabies in Bali.
What to Expect at Unicare Clinic for Your Child
Our General Practitioners are highly experienced in managing common illnesses for children. We will gently and professionally clean the wound, administer any necessary shots (Tetanus, Rabies Vaccine), and provide a clear treatment schedule in a child-friendly manner. You can learn more about the Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) process here.
Conclusion
You are doing the right thing by seeking immediate information and care. By following these steps, you are ensuring the best possible outcome for your child’s health. To help prevent future incidents, we highly recommend reading our Parent’s Guide on How to Teach Children Animal Safety.
Your Child Needs a Doctor. We Are Ready to Help.
Our clinics are family-friendly and our doctors are experienced in treating children. Contact us immediately to let us know you are on your way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Parents After an Animal Bite
Is the rabies vaccine (PEP) safe for babies and toddlers?
Yes, the modern rabies vaccine is considered safe and is recommended by the World Health Organization for all age groups, including infants and pregnant women, after a potential exposure.
Will the shots be very painful for my child?
The vaccine is an injection in the upper arm, and the sensation is very similar to a standard childhood vaccination. Our nurses are highly experienced in administering injections to children in a way that minimizes discomfort.
My child was just scratched by a cat. Is that also an emergency?
Yes. Any scratch from a mammal that breaks the skin is considered a potential rabies exposure and must be treated with the same seriousness as a bite.
What if I can’t find soap right away?
Vigorously washing with clean, running water is the most important part. Do that immediately, and then wash again with soap as soon as you can find it.
The dog belonged to a neighbor who said it’s vaccinated. Do I still need to take my child to the doctor?
Yes. You must still see a doctor. A doctor needs to assess the wound for other infections, confirm the dog’s vaccination record is valid and up-to-date, and make a professional medical decision.
My child is terrified of doctors and needles. How can you help?
Our clinic environment and staff are trained to be as child-friendly as possible. We take the time to explain procedures in a calm manner and work efficiently to make the experience as stress-free as possible for your child.
What are the signs of a bacterial infection I should watch for in the wound?
Look for increasing redness, swelling, warmth around the wound, pus, or if your child develops a fever in the days following the bite.
Should I give my child pain medicine like Paracetamol?
Yes, you can give a child-appropriate dose of Paracetamol (like Calpol or Panadol) to help manage the pain from the bite itself.
Will my travel insurance cover my child’s treatment?
Yes, an animal bite is a medical emergency and the subsequent treatment is a standard inclusion covered by almost all reputable travel insurance policies.
How can I prevent this from happening again?
The best way is through proactive education. Before and during your trip, talk to your child about the ‘Be a Tree’ technique and the ‘Golden Rules’ of not touching unfamiliar animals. Consistent reminders are key to building safe habits.
