first aid tips

By http://www.safeandsound.uk.net/

We all know that accidents can happen at any time.  It is impossible to watch our children all the time and there will always be that unguarded moment.  Every year the Child Accident and Prevention Trust (CAPT) highlight the importance of its work in   National Safety Week - June 18 - 24.  This year the theme is Safer children, healthier lives".

 Every day a child dies in an accident and over 300 children are admitted to hospital because of their injuries. And, of the thousands of children who cheat death, many are left scarred for life or permanently disabled.

Accidents are the single greatest cause of death among children and young people in the UK and put more children in hospital than any other cause. However many accidents can be prevented by putting the right safety measures in place and by learning basic first aid which can help stop a minor injury becoming a major accident and even make the difference between life and death.

 

First aid tips:

If your child suffers a burn or scald

Treatment

  • Cool burn with cold running water for at least ten minutes. If cold water is not available, use another cold,, harmless liquid, such as milk
  • Get Medical help for any burn or scald which is larger than a 50p coin
  • Remember to keep calm and give lots of comfort and reassurance to the child
  • DO NOT remove burnt clothing which has stuck to the skin. Burnt clothing is sterile and will protect the wound.
  • Remove carefully any jewellery, belts, restrictive clothing or footwear (that is not stuck to the skin) from the injured area before it begins to swell
  • Cover the burn with a clean, dry, not fluffy dressing and secure loosely. A plastic bag or piece of cling film are ideal
  • DO NOT put butter oil or any sort of grease or lotion on a burn or scald - these can cause further damage and increase the risk of infection
  • DO NOT apply sticking plasters or any other type of adhesive dressing to the skin - they will cause pain and damage when removed
  • DO NOT break blisters - you may introduce infection into the wound
  • DO NOT give the child anything to eat or drink with the exception of painkillers
  • Give the recommended dose of children's painkiller syrup

REMEMBER Tell medical staff when, what and how much medicine you have given. Not all medicines are suitable for all children; please consult your doctor or pharmacist before giving any medication to your child.

If your child suffers a Febrile Convulsion:

A febrile convulsion occurs as a result of an infection and high temperature, normally affecting young children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years.

RECOGNITION

  • Signs of a fever including flushed red face, sweating, high temperature and hot forehead
  • Eyes rolling back, fixed or squinted
  • Muscular stiffening and arching of the back
  • Clenched fists
  • Possible blue tinge to the lips

TREATMENT

  • The aim of the treatment is controlled cooling of the child and to maintain their safety
  • Remove clothing and bedclothes
  • Ventilate room - it should feel cool but not cold
  • Clear space around child to prevent injury
  • Continue to reduce temperature by tepid sponging. Using a sponge,  gently wipe the child with lukewarm (NOT cold) water
  • Continue to monitor temperature
  • Once cooled and convulsion has ceased place in the recovery position
  • Cover with cotton sheet
  • Call doctor
  • If temperature rises again, repeat tepid sponging procedure

 The above is not a substitute for professional first aid training.

You can contact Safe and Sound on 0208 449 8722 or go to http://www.safeandsound.uk.net/