Parents in the UK Aren’t Becoming First Aid Trained – Quick First Aid Tips

Parents in the UK aren’t taking the initiative to become first aid trained when they have a baby. According to a study from ChannelMum.com, 22 per cent of parents said they had absolutely no baby or child First Aid knowledge at all.

This is a worrying statistic considering that 21 per cent of parents had at one point been forced to give a child emergency first aid.

Choking is the biggest first aid worry, followed by seizures and then severe allergic reactions.

Founder of ChannelMum.com, Siobhan Freegard said: “Giving First Aid to a baby or child can be frightening, but not as frightening as not knowing what to do. We want to reassure parents they can learn first aid basics quickly, that could make all the difference if their child or someome else’s falls ill. This week, give up just seven minutes to start watching our video course and learning what you need to know.”

http://www.channelmum.com/video/one-minute-can-save-your-childs-life-channel-mum-st-john-ambulance-first-aid-course/

Quick 60 Second First Aid Tips from ChannelMum.com and St John Ambulance:

Choking
 Always cut food lengthways not across
Keep handbags out of reach – kids commonly choke on money and pen lids
If your child is choking, never poke inside their mouth as this could push the blockage further down.
Never leave a small child unattended

Burns
Any burn bigger than your child’s palm needs urgent medical attention
Put burns into cold water for at least ten minutes
Cover in clingfilm to keep sterile before getting help
Remove loose clothing but if clothes ‘stick’, leave them on until help arrives

Allergies
Have a supply of anti-histamines in your home First Aid kit
Weaning? Be aware allergies can show up this early
Rash? Treat it yourself with anti-histamines
Swollen lips or tongue? Get to hospital

Fever
Under 6 months? 38 degrees C is a fever
Over 6 months? It’s 39 degrees C
Never treat children with Aspirin – check the medicine label
Child not getting better after 72 hours? Get medical attention fast

CPR
Remember – ABC – Airways, Breathing, Circulation
Start with 5 ‘rescue breaths’
Then 30 compressions / 2 rescue breaths and repeat until help arrives or child breathes
Use ‘Nelly the Elephant’ as your timing guide. At least 120 compression a minute.

Seizures
Also called “febrile convulsions’. Most are caused by a fast-rising temperature
If your child has one, place them gently on the floor and clear space around them
If the seizure lasts more than 2 minutes, get medical help
If your child has one without a temperature, get medical help

Meningitis and Sepsis
Don’t wait for the rash – learn the other signs
Meningitis symptoms include joint & limb pain, light sensitivity, blotchy pale skin, flu like illness and cold hands and feet. Babies may have a high-pitched cry
Sepsis can happen from any infection – be aware
Signs include no wet nappy for 12 hours, vomiting, convulsions, feeling cold, not feeding and hard to wake.