Life-saving first aid tips that every parent and carer should know
Parents, grandparents and carers are reminded of some important first aid tips which can save lives.
Children can be susceptible to burns, scalds and other serious injuries, which can be treated with the right knowledge and skills.
Schools across the UK are going to be breaking up for the summer holidays next month, and so the people behind antiseptic cream Savlon and NHS bosses have taken the opportunity to help families who'll be going to out and about more and more.
And with the weather expected to remain balmy for the immediate future at least, accidents and symptoms associated with heat and dehydration should be noted in particular, Hull Live reports.
Ways to help someone with heat exhaustion
Anyone can suffer heat exhaustion, though children will most likely be unaware it is happening. If they are dizzy, experiencing headaches and are feeling or being sick, they may need help quickly before the symptoms progress to those of heatstroke.
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NHS says parents and carers should;
- Move them to a cool place.
- Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks.
- Get them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water.
- Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too.
Stay with them until they're better.
They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.
Burns and scalds
Savlon is often used to treat minor wounds, burns and skin reactions. The company has Mini First Aid to offer advice around burns.
Burns and scalds are damage to the skin caused by heat. A burn is caused by dry heat – by an iron or fire, for example. A scald is caused by something wet, such as hot water or steam.
Kate Ball, Mini First Aid’s founder, said: "Treatment for burns and scalds is exactly the same, and speed is key so don't waste time determining which it is.
"Before going to help someone make sure you are safe and that any burn risk is extinguished - it is no good you also getting injured as the first aider."
This means checking your surroundings and ensuring anything which could cause you imminent danger is under control. Then, immediately get the individual away from the heat source to stop the burning.
Burns look different depending on the severity and the skin type – it’s important everyone knows what to look for.
Kate said: “Burns look different on black and brown skin to how they do on white skin. In a superficial burn, which affects just the top layer of skin, black and brown skin may appear darker, grey, silvery, or ashy. White skin appears red in a superficial burn. In a more severe burn which affects the dermis (below our visible skin), a burn will look red no matter your skin colour.
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"Our first instinct is to panic in a first aid emergency, but with burns it’s imperative you don’t – quick action is key. Whatever the size of the burn, you must get it under cool, running water immediately. Before you do this, remove any clothing which is in the way, using scissors rather than pulling if skin is stuck to the burn.
"Explain to your child this will be uncomfortable as you will need to do it for 20 minutes (or until help arrives via 999), but it’s really important as it will help their skin feel better. Keep the rest of their body as warm as possible whilst cooling the burned area. Try your best not to touch the burn and wrap the burned area in cling film or a bag to prevent infection and seek medical help.”
If an adult suffers a burn, at what point should I call 999?
Firstly, it’s important you assess the burn and its size. Following this, you can make an informed decision as to whether you need to call the emergency services.
Kate continued: "If it is bigger than 1% of body area - we say larger than the palm of the casualty's hand - call 999. Remove any clothing which is in the way, using scissors rather than pulling if skin is stuck to the burn, and put the burn under cool, running water immediately until help arrives via 999."
Brittany Skeels, Savlon brand manager at Thornton & Ross, added: “As a brand trusted by families for generations, we are proud to partner with Mini First Aid and offer key life skills for parents. Being ‘in the wars’ is part and parcel of life. Providing reassurance to alleviate the stress even minor injuries can cause with small children is central to the brand. Savlon is always on hand for treating minor injuries and little emergencies, so we’re really excited to announce a new addition to Savlon’s range - Burns & Scalds 0.25% Cream."
Mini First Aid is the UK’s largest specialist Paediatric First Aid training company, having appeared on Dragons' Den and secured investment from Sara Davies MBE. Savlon partners with Mini First Aid to host lifesaving first aid workshops for children across the UK.
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