Get The Skills to Save a Life

Would you know what to do if your child was hurt in the home? If they fell and hit their head or choked on their food? A survey by St John Ambulance revealed that nearly two-thirds (59%) of us wouldn't feel confident trying to save a life and yet providing first aid in those vital minutes can be the difference between life and death.

It's a situation every parent dreads; a child having an accident and not knowing what to do. Four children every hour are admitted to hospital after accidents at home* but being able to act quickly and confidently in an emergency could mean that you are able to provide that vital early assistance that could save a life as well as reassurance.

To help ensure you are able to give your child the best care in an emergency, here is St John Ambulance's essential first aid guide:

Broken Bones

If you suspect a broken bone, keep the injured area as still as possible. Support the area by placing blankets or clothing around it. If the skin is broken, cover the injury with a clean, non-fluffy pad and gently bandage. You can transport a child with a broken arm by car, but otherwise call 999. While you're waiting, if you notice your child feeling worse or developing a fast pulse or clammy skin, you should lie them down and raise the legs - if the leg is injured, raise another limb instead. Don't let your child eat or drink in case they need an anaesthetic.

Choking

First encourage your child to cough. If this doesn't work, bend them forward and, using the heel of your hand, give up to five sharp blows between the shoulder blades. Check their mouth, and if the obstruction is still there, move on to abdominal thrusts. Standing behind, wrap your arms around them and put one fist between their navel and ribs. Grab the fist with your other hand and pull sharply in and up, up to five times. If they're still choking, repeat the process up to twice more, then call an ambulance. Continue until the ambulance arrives. Even if the obstruction clears, seek medical advice if you've used abdominal thrusts.

Burns

If your child's burnt themselves, immediately cool the area under running water for at least ten minutes while gently removing any jewellery, watches or clothing from the area before it begins to swell. Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material to protect from infection - a clean plastic bag or loose cling film make good dressings. However small the burn appears, with babies or young children you should always seek medical advice if you're at all concerned. If it's severe, call an ambulance while you're cooling the burn and treat for shock; raise the legs if possible, and keep the child warm, comfortable and reassured until help arrives.

Cuts and Bleeding

Small cuts and grazes can look dramatic, but are easily treated. Clean the wound by rinsing under running water or using alcohol-free wipes. Pat it dry with a gauze swab and cover with sterile gauze. If it's still bleeding, raise the injured part above the level of the heart. Clean the surrounding skin with soap and water, then pat dry. Apply a sterile dressing, secure and seek medical aid. As the wound heals, watch out for signs of infection - worsening pain, swelling, redness or pus.

Asthma Attack

If your child has an asthma attack, they'll be wheezing, finding it difficult to speak, and may have grey or blue skin or lips. If they already have a reliever inhaler - usually blue - help them use it. If this is their first attack, call an ambulance. It's really important that you keep calm and reassure them, staying with them to stop them panicking. Sit them upright and slightly forward, encouraging them to take slow breaths. Call an ambulance if the inhaler has no effect, if they find it difficult to talk, or if they become exhausted.

Swallowed Poisons

If the child is conscious, ask them what they have swallowed, how much and when. Try to reassure them. Call 999 for emergency help. Give the ambulance control as much information as possible about the poison. Monitor and record the child's vital signs while waiting for help. Keep samples of any vomited material but do not make them sick. Give these samples and any other clues, such as pill bottles, to the ambulance crew. If the child's lips are burnt by corrosive substances, give them sips of cold milk or water while waiting for help to arrive.



St John Ambulance is committed to ensuring everyone has the basic first aid knowledge that could save someone's life. To get your free pocket sized first aid guide covering five life saving techniques, just text LIFE to 85010 or visit the St John Ambulance website for more information www.sja.org.uk.

St John Ambulance also offers training courses in Emergency Life Support for infants and children. Please call 0844 770 4800 for further information.

*Hospital Episode Statistics 2008-9: 35,057 hospital admissions of under fives in England

NOTE: The health section of Parenting.co.uk is not to be used as a substitute for your GP; if your child is ill then seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay.

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