When someone's drowning, it may not look like the violent, splashing call for help that most people expect from watching TV. When someone’s actually drowning, they won’t able to make any noise, so can easily go unnoticed, even if friends or family are nearby.

Drowning is when someone is unable to breathe because their nose and mouth are submerged in water, or in another liquid.  Babies are particularly vulnerable to drowning incidents, even in wading pools because they sometimes don't have enough strength to pick up their heads.  So, to keep your family safe this summer:

​Drowning prevention – what you need to know

1. Children should be supervised in the water at all times. Don’t rely on older children to supervise
2. It’s not just young children who are at risk. Older children and teens can get into trouble, especially while ‘wild’ swimming. Strong currents, deep water and objects lurking under the water are unlikely to be obvious
3. Don’t assume that because a child can swim, they will be safe
4. Drowning happens silently! As drowning occurs, the instinctive drowning response means that a child is unable to speak or to control their arm movements, and they slip quietly under the water – it’s a myth that they splash about, shout or scream 
5. Don’t rely on lifeguards – provision, training and legislation varies in different countries, and lifeguards may have other duties
6. Even if you’ve taken steps to make your garden or environment safe, children have drowned after wandering into neighbouring gardens. Be mindful of this at home and on holiday
7. Research shows the most common times for children to drown on holiday are the first and the last days – don’t let your guard down at any time
8. Empty paddling pools when they’re not in use 
9. At the beach, wind blowing off the land can make the sea look flat, calm and safe but it can easily sweep inflatables quickly out to sea, and children will be tempted to go after them
10. Finally, expect children to do unexpected things. They can’t be relied on to keep themselves safe, even if they say they can!

​Someone is drowning:
If someone is unconscious in water, get them out as quickly as possible but never put yourself in danger!   The Drowning Chain of Survival is a “call action” and is simple to follow:



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• Once the person is on dry land, turn them on their back, tilt their head and lift the chin to open the airway
• Ask someone to call 112 for medical help
• If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, give them five initial rescue breaths before starting CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
• If there is a defibrillator available, use it immediately
• Keep giving CPR until help arrives, the casualty regains responsiveness, or you’re too exhausted to keep going
• If they start to breathe and regain consciousness swiftly put them into the recovery position, treat them for hypothermia by covering them with warm clothes and blankets.  If they recover completely, replace their wet clothes with dry ones
• Keep checking breathing, pulse and level of response until help arrives

IMPORTANT: Anyone who has been in a near-drowning situation should be checked by a doctor as secondary drowning can occur many hours later.

For further advice on drowning and taking your child swimming: 
www.rospa.com/leisure-safety/water/advice/taking-children-swimming/
www.capt.org.uk/drowning

Kate Ellwood  26/06/2019 
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​Life First provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Life First is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

If a lithium coin cell battery gets stuck in a child’s food pipe, it can cause catastrophic internal bleeding and death within hours of being swallowed.

Button batteries, especially big, powerful lithium coin cell batteries, can badly injure or kill a child if they are swallowed and get stuck in the food pipe.  Button batteries are small, round batteries that come in many different sizes and types. Lithium button batteries (often called ‘coin batteries’ or ‘coin cell batteries’) are most dangerous as they are larger and more powerful.

So, it’s important to keep spare and ‘dead’ lithium coin cell batteries and any objects with easily accessible lithium coin cell batteries out of children’s reach, and to act fast if you think your child may have swallowed one.

Children most at risk are between 1 and 4 years, but younger and older children can also be at risk.

Why are button batteries dangerous?
Most button batteries pass through the body without a problem. But if a button battery - particularly a lithium coin cell battery - gets stuck in the food pipe, energy from the battery reacts with saliva to make the body create caustic soda. This is the same chemical used to unblock drains!  This can burn a hole through the food pipe and can lead to catastrophic internal bleeding and death. The reaction can happen in as little as two hours.  Button batteries are also dangerous if they get stuck in a child’s nose or ear.

The size and power of the button battery and the size of the child matter. With a large, powerful lithium coin cell battery – for example a 3V CR2025 or CR2032 – and a small child, the risks are greatest.

Where do children find button batteries?
Typically, children find spare batteries in a drawer, get hold of ‘flat’ batteries that have fallen onto the floor or down the sofa, or take batteries from products like gaming headsets, car key fobs or slim audio visual remote controls.
Spare batteries
Products may come with a spare lithium coin battery in a small plastic bag.  When you buy replacement batteries, some are individually sealed in the pack and can only be removed with scissors.  But, with others, especially cheaper ones you buy online or in discount stores, once you open the pack, all the batteries come out and some may fall on the floor.  Spares often end up being stored in open containers or loose in a drawer.
‘Flat’ or ‘dead’ batteries
It’s not just fully charged lithium coin cell batteries that pose a risk.  Modern devices need a lot of power. When power levels drop, we think the battery is flat and discard it.  But, it can still have enough electrical charge left to badly injure a child.

Batteries in toys, gadgets and novelty items
Button batteries are used in an increasingly wide range of toys, novelty items, gadgets and other everyday objects you’ll find around the house.  Lots of these objects have buttons and surfaces that young children love to explore and play with.  Many are brightly coloured or otherwise appealing to children.  These include:

• robot bug or fish toys
• light-up head bands
• gaming headsets
• slim remote controls
• car key fobs
• key finders
• children’s thermometers
• kitchen or bathroom scales
• musical cards
• novelty items like singing Santas and flashing wands
• fitness trackers
• fidget spinners with LED lights
• 3D glasses
• flameless candles, nightlights and tea lights

Children’s toys
Batteries in children’s toys should either be enclosed by a screw and a secure compartment, or need two independent or simultaneous movements to open the battery compartment.  But, toys bought online or from markets, discount stores or temporary shops may not follow toy safety regulations.  And remember that older children may still be able to open secure battery compartments.

Who is at risk?

• Children are most at risk from 1 to 4 years, but younger and older children can also be at risk.
• Babies and toddlers are at particular risk as they explore the world by putting things in their mouths. Toddlers are naturally inquisitive and can be determined to explore and get into things.
• Older children can be fascinated by them too. In some cases, they may deliberately put one of these batteries in their mouth or on their tongue to experience the sensation of the electrical charge.

How big is the risk?
At least two children a year have died as a result of swallowing lithium coin cell batteries in the UK.
We don’t know how many children are taken to A&E, admitted to hospital or suffer life-changing injuries. 
In Australia, an estimated 4 children a week go to A&E with an injury related to a button battery.

How can I keep children safe?

• Keep all spare batteries in a sealed container in a high cupboard
• Keep products well out of children’s reach if the battery compartment isn’t secured
• Put ‘flat’ or ‘dead’ batteries out of children’s reach straight away and recycle them safely
• Avoid toys from markets, discount stores or temporary shops as they may not conform to safety regulations, and take care when buying online or from overseas
• Teach older children that button batteries are dangerous and not to play with them or give them to younger brothers and sisters

What situations have accidents already happened in?
Little exploring fingers have found lithium coin cell batteries when:

• A product is dropped and the battery falls out
• A battery is ‘flat’ and has been taken out and left on a worktop or table
• A packet of batteries is opened and the batteries spill out under the sofa or a cupboard
• Spare batteries are stored in an easy-to-reach drawer in the lounge or kitchen
• The button battery compartment of a toy or other device isn’t secured

There are NO OBVIOUS SYMPTOMS!
Unfortunately it is not obvious when a button battery is stuck in a child’s food pipe. There are no specific symptoms associated with this. The child may:

• cough, gag or drool a lot
• appear to have a stomach upset or a virus
• be sick
• point to their throat or tummy
• have a pain in their tummy, chest or throat
• be tired or lethargic
• be quieter or more clingy than usual or otherwise ‘not themselves’
• lose their appetite or have a reduced appetite
• not want to eat solid food / be unable to eat solid food

But these sorts of symptoms vary.  Plus, the symptoms may fluctuate, with the pain increasing and then subsiding.
One thing specific to button battery ingestion is vomiting fresh (bright red) blood.  If the child does this then seek immediate medical help. 
The lack of clear symptoms is why it is important to be vigilant with ‘flat’ or spare button batteries in the home and the products that contain them.

IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR CHILD HAS SWALLOWED A BUTTON BATTERY, ACT FAST!

• Take them straight to the A&E department at your local hospital or call 112 for an ambulance
• Tell the doctor there that you think your child has swallowed a button battery
• If you have the battery packaging or the product powered by the battery, take it with you. This will help the doctor identify the type of battery and make treatment easier
• Do not let your child eat or drink
• Do not make them sick
• Trust your instincts and act fast – do not wait to see if any symptoms develop

Adapted by Kate Ellwood from: www.capt.org.uk/button-batteries (24/06/2019) 
​Life First provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Life First is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

Most broken bones in children happen from a fall, in an accident or while playing sports.  A break or crack in a bone is called a fracture.

What Are the Kinds of Broken Bones?

In most cases the damage to the bone will be under the skin, which is called a closed fracture, but sometimes bits of the bone can puncture through the skin to become an open fracture.  In both cases you'll need to treat the person for shock.  Even if you can't see any blood, the break might have caused some internal bleeding.

To break a fully-grown bone, a huge amount of force is needed.  But bones that are still growing are supple and can split, crack or bend quite easily, a bit like a twig.  Types of bone fractures include:

• A greenstick fracture: a break on one side of the bone only
• A buckle or torus fracture: an outward bend on one side of the bone without breaking the other side
• An avulsion fracture: when a tendon or ligament pulls off of a tiny piece of bone
• A growth plate fracture: a break in the area of a child or teen's growing bone
• A stress fracture: a tiny crack in the bone
• A comminuted fracture: a bone breaks into more than two pieces
• A compression fracture: a collapsing of the bone

How do I know its broken? 

There are seven things to look for if you suspect a fracture:

1. Swelling, bruising, tenderness
2. Difficulty moving the injured part or hurts when moving, being touched, or bearing weight
3. Movement in an unnatural direction
4. A limb that looks shorter, twisted or bent
5. A grating noise or feeling
6. Loss of strength
7. Shock

If the break is small or it's just a crack, there may not be much pain or even realise that a bone has been broken.  No matter what part might be broken or how big or small the injury may seem, all broken bones need medical care. 

What to do when you suspect a fracture:

• Do not attempt to move or reposition the injured limb
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth
• Encourage the person to support the injury with their hand or use a cushion or items of clothing to prevent unnecessary movement.  This should help relieve pain and prevent further damage
• Support the limb above and below the injury if possible
• Call 112 as soon as possible.  If you can’t call 112, get someone else to do it.
• Continue supporting the injury until help arrives
• If it is an open fracture, cover the wound with a sterile dressing and secure it with a bandage.  Apply pressure around the wound to control any bleeding.

While waiting for medical help to arrive:

• Keep checking the casualty for signs of shock.  This does not mean emotional shock, but is a life-threatening condition, often caused by losing blood.
• If they lose responsiveness at any point, open their airway, check their breathing and prepare to treat someone who’s become unresponsive 
• The injured person should not eat or drink in case surgery is required.

​ Call 112 Right Away If:

• You or someone else had a serious injury to the head, neck, or back.
• A broken bone comes through the skin.

First Aid Burns treatment has previously been to hold the affected area under cool running water for at least ten minutes. This has changed, as of May 2019, the latest advice from an Australian research team at their national Centre for Children’s Burns – now adopted by the NHS, British Burn Association and more – is to extend the time that the burn should be treated to a full 20 minutes under cool running water. 
If you would like to read more then check out the post by Emma Hammett
https://onlinefirstaid.com/burns-how-to-treat-a-burn-lates…/

​One key thing with head injuries is that it’s important to be able to determine between when you need to call 112, seek medical help or when you can care for them at home.   

Any knock to the head is considered a head injury and classified as either mild, moderate or severe.  Many head injuries are mild, and simply result in a small lump or bruise.  If your child doesn't have signs of a serious head injury and remains alert, moves normally and responds to you, the injury is probably mild and usually doesn't need further testing.  Mild head injuries can be managed at home, but if your child has received a moderate or severe injury to the head, they need to see a doctor.

Seek help immediately by calling an ambulance if:

• your child has had a head injury involving high speeds or heights greater than a metre, for example, car crashes, high-speed skateboard accidents or falling from playground equipment
• your child loses consciousness (passes out)
• your child seems unwell and vomits more than once after hitting their head.

Moderate to Severe Head Injury

Occasionally, a blow to the head may be severe enough to cause bleeding in or around the brain.  With a severe head injury they may have:

• a deteriorating level of response
• loss of responsiveness
• leakage of blood or blood-stained watery fluid from the ear or nose
• unequal pupil size
• been knocked out and has not woken up
• difficulty staying awake or keeping their eyes open
• a fit (seizure or convulsion)
• problems with their vision
• bleeding from their ears or bruising behind their ears
• numbness or weakness in part of their body
• problems with walking, balance, understanding, speaking or writing
• be dazed or shocked
• has something stuck in their head, or a cut causing bleeding that is difficult to stop, or a large bump or bruise on their head
• Vomit more than once
• In younger children if they do not cry straight after the knock to the head

Clearly if your child is experiencing any of these severe symptoms call 112​

If the head injury is bleeding heavily then apply pressure to the wound to stop or slow down the flow of blood and call 112. 

Mild Head Injury

A mild head injury or concussion is when your child:

• may display altered level of consciousness at the time of the injury
• is now alert and interacts with you
• may have vomited, but only once
• may have bruises or cuts on their head
• is otherwise normal.

You should seek medical advice if your child has any of the above symptoms of mild head injury, and you are worried about them. Otherwise, continue to observe your child for any of the signs and symptoms listed under care at home.

Care at home

If you do not need to go to hospital, you can usually look after your child at home.  Don't leave your child alone for the first 48 hours!  

To help recovery you can hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas in a tea towel) to the injury regularly for short periods in the first few days to bring down any swelling. 

​Children and adolescents with concussion can take up to four weeks to recover, but most concussions will get better on their own over several days.  Following a mild head injury, your child will need to get plenty of rest and sleep, particularly in the first 24 to 48 hours.

Your child may have a headache after a head injury. Give them paracetamol (not ibuprofen or aspirin) every six hours if needed to relieve pain.

There is no need to wake your child during the night unless you have been advised to do so by a doctor. Call an ambulance immediately if you have any difficulty waking your child.

Children who have had a head injury may develop symptoms at various times. Some of the symptoms may begin minutes or hours after the initial injury, while others may take days or weeks to show up.
 
If your child experiences any of the following symptoms, take them to the doctor or nearest hospital emergency department immediately:

• vomiting more than once
• bleeding or any discharge from the ear or nose
• fits/seizures/twitching/convulsions
• blurred or double vision
• poor coordination or clumsiness
• any new arm or leg weakness, or any existing weakness that gets worse or does not improve
• difficulty swallowing or coughing when eating or drinking
• sensitivity to noise
• slurred or unclear speech
• unusual or confused behaviour
• severe or persistent headache that is not relieved by paracetamol.

If your child has had a head injury, they should return to school and sport gradually. For moderate to severe head injuries, your doctor will advise you.

Can you let your baby or child go to sleep after a head injury?

YES - you can let them sleep if it is their normal time to sleep and they are not showing signs of serious head injury.  If they seem unusually drowsy they may have a serious head injury and you should seek urgent medical attention.

Cognitive fatigue

Cognitive fatigue is a common problem that can happen after a head injury. When a child has cognitive fatigue, it means their brain has to work harder to concentrate on tasks it used to be able to do easily, for example watching TV, playing computer games, or having a long conversation. Cognitive fatigue is not related to a child’s intellectual capacity or physical energy levels. It can lead to behavioural problems, mood swings and educational difficulties.  Your child may experience some or all of the following symptoms of cognitive fatigue:

• slowness when thinking, understanding and responding to questions or commands
• problems concentrating
• difficulties with memory
• difficulty thinking of the right words to say
• being more demanding than usual, and become easily frustrated
• being more fearful and anxious
• changed sleep patterns
• mood swings and irritability

If your child’s cognitive performance or behaviour is very different to normal, or it is getting worse, take them back to the doctor or your nearest hospital emergency department.
Children experiencing cognitive fatigue should have complete rest – for their brain and body. This means no watching TV or playing on mobile electronic devices. Allow your child to gradually return to reading and other activities that require periods of greater concentration or thinking.
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Key points to remember!

• Head injuries can be mild, moderate or severe
• Call an ambulance if your child has had a head injury involving high speeds or heights, or if after a knock to the head they lose consciousness or vomit more than once
• Your child may develop a number of different symptoms in the weeks after a head injury. Many of these require immediate medical attention
• Children with cognitive fatigue need complete rest to recover

​Life First provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Life First is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

Summer is just around the corner so time to give some thought to how you are going to protect your baby from the sun and heat. This article will provide clear information to enable you to make the best decisions in protecting your baby from sun and heat.

Is it safe for my baby to go out in the sun?
Whilst babies are under six months old, they are advised to be kept out of strong direct sunlight. Babies’ skin is much thinner than children or adults, so UV rays can cause sun damage in a very short space of time. Babies are also more susceptible to heat, thus increasing temperatures can make them seriously unwell and has been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

• Risks

The two main concerns are:

1. Overheating.
2. Sunburn.

Sunburn at a young age has been demonstrably linked to a higher rate of skin cancer – a US study found that severe burns at a young age increased chances of melanoma (a form of skin cancer) by 80%.

• Timings

If possible, avoid going out during the hottest hours which are from 10am to 3pm.  This is because the UV levels and temperatures are highest during this time.

• Choose a breathable and UV protecting buggy cover

When travelling with the baby in a pram, ensure you have an adequate and safe cover, to protect your baby from the harmful UV rays whilst allowing:

• Easy accessibility to facilitate regular checks on your child and,
• Sufficient air circulation within the pram which will help regulate the temperature for your child.

The Lullaby Trust (www.lullabytrust.org.uk) has warned covering your pram or buggy with blankets (or cloths and covers) can lead to heat being trapped within the buggy and could cause your baby to dangerously overheat.  They recommend attaching a clip-on sunshade or parasol to a pram or buggy and checking if baby is getting too hot by feeling their tummy or the back of their neck. They advise to keep babies out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

• Can I use a parasol?

Parasols will not block air circulation, however they only shade a small area. The area they shade will shift as the sun moves or as you travel. This means your baby might suddenly be sitting in direct sunlight without you noticing. Also, not all parasols are UV resistant.

If you decide to use a parasol, ensure you choose a UV resistant version and that you consistently check that your baby remains shaded by the parasol.

• Can I use a muslin cloth?

Many parents choose to clip a muslin nappy across the buggy to shade their little one from the sun. This is not the worst solution, but muslin is not UV resistant so it cannot protect your baby from the sun’s most harmful rays.

• What’s the safest option?

My personal preference would be to use a buggy cover made of UV resistant but fully breathable material, that covers the whole opening of the buggy, but allows the air to circulate. The best of these have zips to enable the parents to quickly and easily check on their babies to ensure they are not getting too hot.

• Parking your buggy

Remember that the sun will move and so if you have parked your buggy in the shade, you need to continually check that your baby remains out of direct sunlight.

• Regular checks

It is important to regularly check on your baby to ensure they are not getting too hot. As babies are so sensitive to temperature, remember that even on overcast or lower temperature days, your baby could still overheat.  You should regularly:

1. Check if your baby is sweating.
2. Feel their tummy – it should be warm but not hot.
3. Check for flushed or red cheeks.
4. You could carry a thermometer with you. A specific baby digital thermometer can be purchased and should be used in the baby’s armpit or ear. A healthy temperature hovers around 36.4 degrees centigrade.

Further protection for your baby:
Babies over six months old can enjoy a limited amount of sunlight, providing they have been protected by the appropriate measures.

• Skin colour – Babies with very pale skins are most at risk from burning, however, babies with darker skin are still susceptible to sun damage and can burn.
• Shade – UV rays can still burn and overheat babies in the shade!
  

​Clothing:
Choose tight-weaved clothing that covers the baby’s whole body. Look for garments with a UPF of 50 which will block 98% of UV radiation. 

Choose wide-brimmed sun hats (not caps) which will cover your baby’s neck and ears too.

They should also wear sun glasses to protect their eyes. Sunglasses should meet the British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005) and carry the CE mark – check the label. This is because the UV rays can cause eye damage to a baby’s young eyes.
 
Sun Cream:
In the UK the general advice is that children under 6 months should not use sun cream.

Why?
Infants’ skin is thinner than adults, with a much thinner stratum corneum, the dead outermost skin layer. Therefore, an infant’s skin is less able to protect the body effectively against chemicals in sunscreen which could penetrate deeper into their skin, making newborn babies more vulnerable to allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis, inflammation or other harmful effects from chemical absorption. Newborn skin also lacks the film on the skin’s surface (known as the acid mantle) that protects the skin from bacteria viruses, and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), a condition that can lead to dehydration. The lack of the acid mantle could leave babies more vulnerable to the chemicals in sunscreen.
 
Babies also have a higher surface area-to-body weight ratio than older children and adults. A baby’s body surface area is about four times the body surface area-to-weight ratio in adults, which gives a far greater body surface area and leaves them exposed to far greater penetration by chemicals. In adults, most sunscreen ingredients don’t get absorbed systemically into the bloodstream — and those that do are absorbed in tiny amounts. However, for babies this is far more likely.
 
In addition, babies could try and lick sun cream from their bodies causing it to be ingested. This is another reason the Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org) recommends delaying the use of sunscreen until your baby is at least six months old.
There has been very little research undertaken on sunscreens for babies, most studies have been done on adults.
 
Using Sun Cream
If your baby has reached over six months of age, they should be wearing sun cream from around April to October (use your judgement to decide – they may need it as early as March, weather dependent).

Babies and young children are more prone to rashes than adults. One fifth of adults report skin irritation from sun cream, so it is important to:
1. Choose a sun cream designed for babies.
2. Test the cream first.

• Choose wisely

Choose a hypoallergenic sun cream specifically designed for babies.
You should choose a high factor (SPF 50). For children the NHS recommend at least a factor 15. It should have at least a four-star UVA and UVB protection rating. There are specific sun creams created for babies which you can buy.
Check the expiry date and discard when out of date.
Some brands offer tinted versions of sun cream so that you can see where you have put the product.

• Do a patch test

We would always recommend trying sunscreen on a small area of your baby’s skin (doing a patch test) to make sure your baby can tolerate the product. Apply the small area before you need to rely on the sunscreen to protect them from the sun and check the area for signs of redness or allergy for the next few hours. If there is no reaction, you can then apply this to all exposed areas of their body. When trying a new brand, always patch test in this way too.

• How to apply suncream

Use enough! Many people do not use enough sun cream – so make sure that you use at least a tablespoon of sun cream if covering the legs and arms of a baby.

Apply sunscreen liberally to any area of your baby’s skin that isn’t covered up by clothes or a hat. Remember to include his hands and feet, and the back of his neck and ears.

• Pat, don’t rub!  It’s best to pat it on rather than rub it in. If you can, put sunscreen on your baby 15 minutes before they are exposed to any sun.

Cover exposed parts of your child’s skin with sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days. Apply sunscreen to areas not protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands. Be especially careful to protect your child’s shoulders and the back of their neck when they’re playing, as these are the most common areas for sunburn. 
 

• Reapplication

Reapply the sunscreen at least every couple of hours and after they have played in water, even if the sunscreen claims to be waterproof. Some water-resistant products may only protect your baby’s skin for up to 40 minutes of water play, while others may protect for up to 80 minutes.

Other tips for keeping your baby safe from the heat and sun in summer:

• Fluids

Fully breastfed babies should not need to be given extra water – but do check for any signs of dehydration. Otherwise, babies under 6 months should be regularly given cooled boiled water. Over six months of age, they can be given regular water.

• Sleep

In summer, it is best to create a cool sleeping environment for your baby. Place your baby feet to the foot of the cot, on a flat mattress without blankets or pillows.

When out and about in the summer with your baby in a buggy or pram, sleep can be more problematic. Don’t be tempted to put a blanket over the pram to block out the  sunlight as this can trap warm air within the buggy, causing the temperature to soar to dangerous levels.

Instead ideally opt for a mesh pram cover that will block out sunlight and allow air to circulate. Always ensure you park your buggy in the shade and keep checking to ensure it remains shaded and cool.

• Cloudy days

Remember, you can still get burned in the shade. Sun protection remains essential even on overcast days. If the temperature seems low to you, remember that it could still affect a young baby or child.

• The impact of water

Many people do not know that if you are on or near a body of water, this will dramatically increase the potency of the sun’s rays.  Sun cream should be reapplied after swimming.

If your baby has sunburn:
Firstly, don’t panic! 

• Do, however, treat the burn more seriously than you would an adult’s. Remove them from the sunlight immediately and take them indoors, preferably into a cool or air-conditioned environment.
• Shower the affected area for 10 minutes under tepid water, then apply neat aloe vera. Seek immediate medical advice if a baby or child has become sunburnt, particularly if their skin has blistered.
• Give them regular drinks of cool water to ensure they remain hydrated.
• If they show signs of heat exhaustion – hot, flushed, sweaty, unsettled, vomiting or diarrhoea – always get medical advice immediately.

With these tips in mind, enjoy the sunshine!

​Life First provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Life First is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

Adapted from a post by Emma Hammett at https://firstaidforlife.org.uk/ Kate Ellwood (May 2019)

Today the Belgian Red Cross-Flanders launched a Belgian version of a free first aid app, with which everyone can offer first aid in the event of an accident or in an emergency situation.  The app is intended for those who have never undergone training and do not know what to do in the event of such an emergency. As a result, anyone with the app would be able to provide basic assistance in the event of an emergency.  I am excited as on the app from the 15th April will be a map overview of where you can find an AED device.  An AED is used in first aid when someone is unresponsive and not breathing (cardiac arrest).  Don't worry about it being in Dutch you can switch languages in the app!  

According to figures from the Red Cross, thirty Belgians are hit daily by cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting and more than 80 percent of the Flemish people do not offer first aid if someone next to them succumbs to a cardiac arrest.  Ine Tassignon, spokesperson for Belgian Red Cross-Flanders says "When a victim can be helped immediately with an AED, their chances of survival increase considerably.  If you look in advance where there are AEDs in your area, you can save valuable time when you actually one".  I couldn't agree more!

The app is called "Eerste hulp - Rode Kruis" - not to be confused with "EHBO - Rode Kruis" from the Dutch organization - and is available for:

iOS 
https://itunes.apple.com/sr/app/ehbo-ifrc/id1312876691?l=nl&mt=8

Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.gdpc.fa

Life First provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Life First is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

How dangerous is electricity?

• Serious electric shocks are not as common as many people think. In the UK (2010-11), 60 children (under 15) were admitted to hospital after an electric shock. This compares to 47,000 under 15s admitted to hospital as a result of falls.
• The main danger with electricity is that it can cause house fires.  Faulty electrics start up to one in six house fires.  Causes include loose wiring, damaged cables and leads, and faulty or misused electrical appliances. 

How can accidents with electricity be prevented?
The good news is that children are at very little risk from electric shocks. Electrical sockets are designed to be safe.  But electricity can be dangerous in other ways.  Old electrical appliances and wiring, and children playing with electrical appliances, can cause burns and house fires.  Of the accidents involving electric shocks which take place in the home, many involve children biting electrical cords or poking a metal object into electrical sockets.  Or they happen when an electrical appliance meets water such as a bath or paddling pool.  Water greatly increases the risk of fatality.

You should be aware of how much your children have learned, and what they are capable of doing with electrical appliances.  If you are aware of the dangers of electricity, you can teach your children, as they grow up, to be aware of the dangers too. But younger children might not know the dangers, and they become curious before they know what they are playing with.  You may not know your toddler is able to plug in an iron or electric fire.

Most accidents that happen with children and electricity can be prevented by keeping potentially dangerous devices out of young children’s reach and away from water. For example:

• Electrical devices such as hairdryers and mains-operated radios should be kept out of the bathroom

Other situations, where electrical equipment fails or is used incorrectly, can be prevented by knowing the right way to use electrical appliances. For example:

• Plug sockets should not be overloaded. Be aware not just of how many plugs are going into one socket, but also how much power they are using.  Kettles and irons use more power than lamps and even TVs.
• Older electrical appliances can cause house fires. Check plugs, sockets and wires for scorching or fraying.  If there’s a problem, use a registered electrician to fix them.

​​High voltage danger
The danger from an electrical shock depends on the type of current, how high the voltage is, how the current travelled through the body, the person’s overall health and how quickly the person is treated.  If the person survives the initial shock, their prognosis is usually good.  However, even when the electric shock is not fatal, it can lead to permanent injury.

Electrical sockets are not the only source of electric current, and babies have little fingers and are curious; hence the importance of knowing the appropriate first aid response.  Certain socket covers can damage sockets and remove the automatic shutters – be extremely careful when choosing socket covers to ensure they meet the appropriate safety standards.

Faulty wiring and electric shocks
Old electrical appliances can have wires which become damaged and frayed over time and can, as a result, can give an electric shock when touched. Sometimes pets can chew and damage wires and they too can experience electric shocks.

Have your electrics regularly checked by a qualified electrician!
 
Electric Shock - what do you do?

Your own safety is paramount!

If you touch someone who is holding onto an electrical wire with a live current, there is a strong chance you will be electrocuted too.  As a result, it is vital you always ensure the area is safe if someone has been electrocuted.
Do not touch them until you have turned the electricity off at the mains.  Furthermore, ensure you know where the mains is located and how to turn it off.  Touching the socket where the appliance is plugged in, before disconnecting the mains, could lead to further injury.

Stop the current!

If someone has had an electric shock, switch off the electrical current at the mains to break the contact between the person and the electrical supply.

Can’t reach the mains supply?
If you can’t stop the electrical current, move the source away from you and the person using a dry, non-conducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood.  A wooden broom handle can work.

If a baby or child has grasped a damaged wire, it is possible the electric shock can cause muscle spasm and as a result they will be unable to let go.  Always try and switch off the power supply.  Once the electricity has been switched off, they are safe to touch.

When to dial 112 for an ambulance:
If the person isn’t breathing or if the injured person experiences any of the following dial 112.

• Severe burns
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
• Cardiac arrest
• Muscle pain and contractions
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Whilst waiting for medical help:

• Check for response and then check for breathing
• If they are unconscious and breathing – put them into the recovery position
• Unconscious and not breathing – start CPR.
• Conscious and breathing - if they are conscious and appear ok, get them checked by a medical professional.
• be calm and reassuring
• keep them warm and dry
• treat superficial burns with cool, running water

Don’t be distracted by burns!

Electrical burns have an entry and exit point and burn all the way through the inside.  Therefore, the electrical burn itself, may not be the most important injury.  Furthermore, keep checking for more serious and possibly life -threatening conditions resulting from the electric shock.

For more information on keeping your family safe
​
Child Accident Prevention Trust:
https://www.capt.org.uk/

Electrical Safety First:
www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/

Life First provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Life First is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.