Acquiring first aid skills gives parents the confidence to act in an emergency. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, this can prevent possible trips to the hospital. Outdoor play is important for children’s development and wellbeing.
Here are some brief practical tips to help keep your children safe:
Sunburns & Heat Exhaustion
Physical activity and dehydration in a hot environment may lead to heat-exhaustion.
Make sure children are continuously drinking cold fluids and keeping cool
To prevent sunburns, make sure children are applying proper sunscreen
Cool the skin with a cool shower or damp towel for at least 10 minutes
Apply Aloe Vera lotion to alleviate pain and aid healing
For severe sunburns or heat-exhaustion, seek medical assistance
Wounds & Bleeds
Rinse small cuts and scrapes with water
Never remove objects from a wound, this can cause bleeding
Stop a bleed by applying direct pressure and dressing
Lie down with legs elevated
For severe bleeds call 999 for an ambulance
Limb Injuries
If you are suspecting fractures, stabilise the injured area and seek medical assistance.
Treat strains and sprains with RICE:
Rest the injury
Ice pack to be applied for up to 10 minutes to reduce swelling
Comfortable support such as a sling and bandage to be used
Elevate the injury
Head Injuries
Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure and dressing
Apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling
If symptoms deteriorate and child becomes unresponsive, vomits or has a seizure, call 999 for an ambulance
Burns & Scalds
Run under cool water for at least 10 minutes
To prevent infection, cover with a non-fluffy dressing or cling film
For severe burns, call 999 for an ambulance
Fainting
If child becomes unresponsive but is breathing, keep hydrated and out of heat
Lie down with legs elevated
If unresponsive, keep in the recovery position to prevent their tongue obstructing the airway
Seizures
During seizures, protect their head and don’t restrain them
After the seizure, place them in recovery position
If it’s their first seizure or it lasts beyond 5 minutes, call 999 for an ambulance
Stings
Use a credit card to scrape the stinger out to the side, never use a tweezer
Wash the area and apply an ice pack to reduce swelling
For signs of an anaphylaxis, call 999 for an ambulance
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Written by Fi Ramos, Public Health Nurse & First Aid Instructor at Act2care.
Information on this site is evidence based and provided to create awareness and advice only. If you are worried about a condition, seek medical advice.
Theoretical first aid tips are beneficial, however practical demonstrations and exercises are necessary for gaining high standard of first aid knowledge and skills.
If you are interested in gaining first aid skills, contact Fi to find our more about our paediatric first aid classes at info@act2care.co.uk
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