Know your first aid for children

Give youngsters some time off and they’ll always manage to get into scrapes. Gabrielle Fagan offers a package of tips and advice for parents so they know what to do if youngsters get a minor, or more serious injury or ailment

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SUMMERTIME and the holidays bring children outside to have fun in playgrounds and paddling pools, on beaches and at barbecues and parties.

But with so many outdoor activities to enjoy, minor mishaps are bound to occur, and perhaps occasionally, a more serious accident.

Mike Hayes, project director of the charity Child Accident Prevention Trust, advises parents to “be aware of where children are playing if they’ve got time off school. Perhaps they’re likely to play in the street – so are they aware of the danger of traffic and know the kerb drill?

“There may be a pond or lake nearby and on a hot day they’ll suddenly decide to go for a swim, but are unaware that a stretch of water is particularly deep. Do they know the rules for water safety and have they got lifesaving skills?”

A major factor in summer accidents is that parents and children are more often away from home visiting unfamiliar places or locations, according to Kerri Summers of The Parent Company, which offers first aid courses to parents.

She says: “Conscientious parents – and they’re the majority – will generally make sure, for instance, that dangerous chemicals or cleaning fluids are locked safely away in their own homes. But problems can arise when families visit relatives, go on outings or perhaps stay in a holiday home where there aren’t the same safeguards.

“Also, other people may have completely different ideas about safety, or not be used to having children around and taking precautions.”

Kerri, 43, who founded the company 10 years ago after her baby son nearly died after choking on a grape, but was saved through her nanny’s first aid skills, says: “I would always urge parents to take a first aid course so they’ve got the skills to help their children if an accident arises.

“It could not only help save their child’s or another child’s life in an emergency, but also it helps give parents more confidence so they can allow their children the freedom to enjoy their childhood.”

Check out the package of tips and advice for parents from medical experts at The Parent Company so you’re prepared for the summer:

GENERAL TIPS

Have a first aid kit at home, handy in the car, and in your luggage if you’re travelling.

Always take ‘emergency kits’ with you on days out, including plasters, antiseptic wipes for cleaning cuts and grazes, Calpol sachets and antihistamines.

Try to think ahead and anticipate hazards that might arise in a new location. For instance, ensure kids wear beach shoes so they can avoid cuts from sharp stones on beaches.

Don’t assume other people have the same safety standards, or rely on other parents to ensure your child stays safe.

Be vigilant. Children are naturally curious and adventurous and fascinated by water. Supervise children in paddling pools and empty them immediately after use.

BURNS AND SCALDS

Summer and barbecues go hand in hand. Unfortunately little hands and other body parts can get a burn from even the briefest brush up against a hot barbecue.

WHAT TO DO: Comfort the child, cool the area, assess the damage and keep it clean.

Remove clothing from the burnt area if possible and only if it easy to do so. Cool the area by running under cool tap water for 10-20 minutes or until the pain eases.

Lightly cover the area with cling film, a plastic bag or a cold wet cloth, but do not wrap it. Give them some pain relief medicine.

If the burn is larger than palm size or remains red, take them to a doctor or attend the accident and emergency department of your nearest hospital.

WOUNDS

Scrapes and grazes seem to increase in the summer when running around, exploring, and risk-taking is the order of the day.

WHAT TO DO: Mostly these need a plaster and a ‘kiss better’. If it looks like it needs a little bit more, stop the bleeding, check the wound and keep it clean.

To stop bleeding, apply gentle but firm pressure to the area using a clean cloth or dressing. Once the bleeding has stopped check the wound, and if possible clean it with running water. Elevate the area.

For big wounds: Give them some pain relief medicine, keep applying pressure and take them to hospital. If there is something embedded in the wound, do not remove it.

For small wounds: If the wound has stopped bleeding and is not gaping, use a plaster or apply a dressing. Keep it clean and dry. Watch and wait – if it keeps bleeding get it checked out.

LIMB INJURY

Climbing trees, playing outdoor games and making the most of the long hours of daylight in the playground mean that knowing what to do for an injury to a limb is all important.

WHAT TO DO: First, make the child feel more comfortable and decide whether to go to hospital.

If it is obviously broken: Make them comfy. Support it in a sling (or maybe a tie, a neckerchief, or on a pillow). Give them pain medicine as it makes the journey easier. Go to casualty.

If you’re unsure: Keep the limb up – elevating it will help the swelling to go down. Encourage the child to rest.

Adding some frozen peas in a tea towel will reduce the pain and swelling and wrapping up/supporting their sore arm/leg in a bandage can help.

If you’ve done all those things and they don’t start to use it fully, get it checked out.

INSECT STINGS

Stings are far more likely to occur in the summer season.

WHAT TO DO: Make the child comfortable, remove the sting if possible and check for an allergic reaction. Signs include a rash, feeling warm or itchy, severe and sudden swelling and difficulty in breathing.

Scrape the sting off sideways with your thumb or a credit card and give the area a clean with water.

Cool water, ice packs (wrapped in a cloth) or a cool wet cloth will lessen the pain and reduce swelling. Administer antihistamine medicine if it is itchy.

For wasp stings, bathe the affected area in vinegar. Bee stings respond well to bicarbonate of soda applied to the sting.

If your child swallows a sting give them a cold drink or an ice cube to suck on if old enough, and watch for signs of allergic reaction.

If there is any swelling on their face or around the mouth, or strange breathing, call an ambulance and give antihistamine medicine.

NOSE BLEEDS

Nose bleeds are more common in the summer months when pollen levels are high and blood vessels dilate in the heat.

WHAT TO DO: Keep the child comfortable and stop the bleeding. Encourage them to sit forward, pinch the middle and lower (soft) part of their little nose.

Give them ice cool drinks to sip to help slow the bleeding down.

If the bleeding continues for more than 30 minutes take them to see a doctor.

EYE INJURIES

Walking into a tree branch and poking the eye, receiving a ball in the face, rubbing sand into the eye or even simply too much chlorine can lead to upset and distress in children.

WHAT TO DO: Try to wash the area and calm and reassure your child. Keep them still. If there is something in their eye leave it there and go to hospital.

If something has been splashed/sprayed into the eye: Read the information on the product’s bottle, try to rinse the eye with sterile or clean water, run it from the side of the face across into the eye. Give some pain relief medicine.

Attend your nearest casualty department or an eye hospital if there is one nearby.

WATER SAFETY

Water safety is one area where awareness can make a huge difference. Every year, around six young children drown in garden ponds, with children aged one or two at most risk, according to the Child Accident Prevention Trust.

When you are on holiday or visiting friends and family, take the time to check out the environment for any water dangers, such as children being able to gain access to unfenced areas of water such as ponds or swimming pools.

Be vigilant as even shallow water can be dangerous and a child can drown in as little as 5cm (2in) of water. Ponds should be drained or securely covered and swimming pools should be securely fenced and have child-proof self locking gates.

The Child Accident Prevention Trust offers practical information on preventing accidents to children and young people. Call 020 7608 3828/visit www.capt.org.uk.

The Parent Company (www.theparent company.co.uk) runs classes in first aid or basic life support in your home for up to six people. A basic life support class to teach resuscitation if a child is choking, not breathing or unresponsive costs £45 per person for a group of six and lasts two hours. All classes are taught by paediatric nurses. Call 0845 0944 220 or e-mail info@theparent company.co.uk