First Aid basics every parent should know

Many parents hope they will never need to use first aid on their children, but learning the basic skills might one day save their life. There are a wide range of courses available on the internet, but being taught by a medical professional will always give you the best information.

Learning the basics

The British Red Cross website gives you a complete list of first aid training courses in your area and will teach you all the aspects of medical help you can administer to the public or your family in a safe manner. It is always important that you keep a fully stocked first aid kit in your home and Brosch Direct can supply you with a high quality kit that can be used in the home or work environment.

Burns and scalds

If you have an open fire, hot water or you are teaching your child to cook it is important that you know what to do if either of you burns or scalds yourselves.
A child’s skin is much thinner than adults so they can suffer long lasting damage if the burn area isn’t treated immediately. The Mumsnet website has some simple suggestions and advises that you hold the burn under a tap of cold water for as long as possible. Forget old wives’ tales about applying grease to the injured area, this treatment can lead to infection and can damage your child’s skin.

Disinfectant for wounds

Every child falls down at some time or other. Scabby knees are almost seen as a badge of honour in some circles. If your child does fall over and the skin breaks, gently wash the wound with a disinfectant based solution, dry the cut and then apply a clean plaster. If the bleeding persists, then apply pressure to the wound and call the emergency services.

Poisons mean that you must act quickly

First of all ensure that all family medicines are stored safely and are out of reach from small inquisitive fingers. It’s a fact of life that children like putting all sorts of unsuitable things in their mouths, but by securing the family medicine cupboard it means that at least that will be one danger that you won’t have to worry about.

Some of the prettiest plants in your garden may produce harmful berries. If your child is drowsy, or vomiting excessively after playing outside, contact the emergency service; complaints of a severe tummy ache might also indicate poisoning. If you have the time, take some photos of your garden so that the doctors treating your child will be able to establish what’s been ingested.

Diarrhoea

This is another problem you’ll encounter while your child is growing up. In the first instance give your child a glass of tepid water. Diarrhoea dehydrates the body so you need to keep up the child’s fluid intake. If your child is vomiting, try and encourage them to lie down and make sure there’s a bowl nearby. In a normal illness these symptoms shouldn’t last too long. Obviously, if they do persist then go to your nearest healthcare professional.

* This is a collaborative post *