Child Safety Week What Are You Doing?

So what have I learnt in the 4 and a half years since I became a parent.....?  My little one seems to get clumsier with every passing minute.  She has trip after fall after blood spillage with no sign of it abating.  When she was immobile she was pretty unscathed but then she started to move.....

Statistics

Accidents in the home remain the biggest risk to the under 5s, in fact they are the leading cause of death in boys under the age of 4  according to the Child Accident Prevention Trust

1 in 10 parents of children under 5 admitted that their children had sustained a serious burn from hair straighteners or tong

Suspected poisoning is one of the most common causes of attendance to Accident and Emergency and while childproof lids might slow them down some 3 - 4 year olds can open them in seconds

95% of all burns and scalds happen in the home.

Every day around 40 under 5s are rushed to hospital following choking

Well that was a cheerful little whistlestop tour through some gruesome facts.....but it just highlights how we need to be so mindful of childrens' safety in everything they do.  Things can change in the blink of an eye and not everything is preventable.  All we can do is be mindful of what we are doing when our children are around

Child Safety Week 

The Child Accident Prevention Trust is instrumental in spreading the word on safety offering free advice and tips to parents and professionals on how to keep little people safe.  The offer training as well as resources and publications. 

This year it is taking place from 5th - 11th June.  The subject is "Safe Children, sharing is caring"

Why not visit their website for further information and tips www.capt.org.uk

The focus is on asking people what they do to keep children safe.....what do you do?

Here at safety first I try to educate parents on keeping their babies and children safe as well as teaching childminders and nannies on how to provide first aid in their work place.  I am trying to get first aid into schools and after school clubs for 4 to 11 yesr olds.  Flat Stan is an amazing resource developed by Simon Ferris.  It enables children to get hands on and reminds them how to call for help etc....thus empowering them to help out in an emergency.  Flat Stan First Aid now have resources for EarlyYears Settings which I can advise you on further

If you would like some hands on training why not drop me a line at safetyfirst1704@gmail.com

My Top Tips for First Aid

I can't believe it has been nearly 3 years since I started Safety First.  What a great time I have had teaching children from 3.5 years of age to parents and professionals how to administer first aid.  Getting the safety message out there and empowering them to deal with unexpected emergencies.

During this time I have had my fair share of bumps and bleeds to deal with as the mother of an eternally bruised 4 year old.  I thought it may be a good time to share my top topics and tips that I would like all first time parents to know and think about

1) Choking 

From my experience of teaching first aid to parents, I think this is the subject that most people are concerned with especially around weaning.....so

How to recognise choking:

• The person may be unable to talk or breathe
• They may be grabbing their throat
• Attempts to cough will be weakening
• They will look really distressed
• They may initially be quite red in the face becoming pale and blue.

How to minimise the risk of choking 



• Cut food up into reasonable sized pieces - grapes should be cut in half vertically
• Try not to leave coins and other small objects lying around
• Don't feed them when they are on the move, try to keep them sitting down
• Remember that their airways are very small so be mindful of what goes in their mouth

If your child chokes, lean them forward over your lap (supporting the head if it is a baby) and administer 5 back blows, followed by 5 abdominal thrusts (chest thrusts in babies).

If you cannot remove the obstruction call 999 and if they collapse commence CPR

2) Febrile Convulsions

Children under the age of 5 are unable to manage their own body temperature as the hypothalamus (part of the brain) is immature.  Anyone who has had a baby or small child will know that when they get sick their temperature can soar.  Most of the time this will come down with some calpol.  However there is a more serious side to temperatures which many parents are unaware of.  

In 1 in 20 children a high temperature can lead to a febrile convulsion.  This is a fit associated with a rapidly rising temperature.
  

A normal temperature is between 36.5 to 37.5.  

If your child has a temperature - do not overdress them, keep them well hydrated and keep the room well ventilated without directly pointing a fan at the child, administer calpol (paracetamol) and nurofen (ibuprofen) as per the instructions on the bottle.

How to recognise a febrile convulsion

• The child will become stiff with jerky movements
• Or they may become really floppy
• Their eyes may roll back 
• The child will be unresponsive
• Their limbs will start twitching and jerking
• They may foam at the mouth
• They may become a bit blue around the mouth

What to do?

• Time the seizure - an uncomplicated seizure should no more than around 3 minutes
• Protect the head
• Make sure the area is safe
• Take them to hospital to investigate the cause

These are just a couple of things I think parents of small children should know about, but if you would like to know more please do not hesitate to get in touch and book yourself on to a first aid course today www.safety-first-welling.org

Button Batteries

Button Batteries

One of the reasons I started to deliver first aid was to educate parents about first aid when expecting their precious bundles.  I have been doing this for nearly 3 years now, and peruse the internet to keep up to date with safety advice and tips.  I also watch every last little toy, coin, and finger go into the mouth of my nearly 4 year old on a regular basis, so I thought it important to raise awareness of the risk posed by button batteries.  

Button batteries are sold everywhere for use in our growing pile of toys.  With a recent child death hitting the headlines and a colleague of mine reporting a huge increase in children attending the hospital she works at, I think it is really important to try and raise awareness about the dangers of button batteries.  

Why are they so dangerous?

The safety risk they present has been highlighted by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (www.capt.org.uk). This is generally following unfortunate injuries and incidents to small children. It is well known that young children explore the world through their mouths.  Everything  goes in their mouth and they aren't too discerning as to what this may be.  Their little fingers move with lightening speed meaning toys can disappear into their mouths in an instant, and they are always exploring.  It is these tendencies which are so important for their development, but on occasion can be troublesome.  

Where Can I Find them?

Button batteries are present in a number of household items which often have buttons and other things on them which make them attractive to explore.  Below are some of the items they may be found in:

• small remote controls

• car key fobs

• calculators

• thermometers

• hearing aids

• digital scales

• musical cards

• novelty toys

• watches

• flameless candles and nightlights (CAPT, 2016)

If your children's toys have been appropriately tested to meet certain safety standards the battery compartment should be screwed down making them harder to open, although it is important to point out that older children may be able to open these battery compartments.  

How Can I Reduce the Risk?

In order to keep your children safe from this risk there are a few things you can do to protect them, for example you can keep the toys out of harm's way.  Store spare batteries in a locked cupboard, or one that is out of reach although be mindful of little climbers who are have learnt how to problem solve in order to reach things that they want.  Try to buy your toys from a reputable supplier, making sure they meet British Safety Standards.

These batteries often pass through the system without issue, but if they do get stuck somewhere such as the throat or in an ear or nose, the energy they release can cause the body to produce caustic soda which is extremely corrosive.  If it does get stuck in their throat the battery could burn a hole or cause internal bleeding.

  

It may not be immediately obvious that a battery is stuck until the damage has started to occur.  If you think your child may have swallowed a button battery you should take them to the Emergency Department and advise the Drs of your concerns, don't allow them to eat or drink anything and do not make them vomit.

Awareness is spreading around this issue but it is important to get the word out there, because if one child can be saved or one injury prevented it is a job well done

Keeping safe this winter

With snow on the horizon in the middle of January we are all going to need to wrap up warm, enjoy the snowball fights and stay safe.  My 4 year old is looking forward to her first proper snowball fight while I am anticipating a long, cold walk to deliver some health promotion

In this inclement weather there are a couple of things to think about:

Hypothermia: this is a risk for anyone experiencing over exposure in the cold.  It is even more of a risk to small children, babies or elderly relatives.  In order to avoid hypothermia, make sure they are wearing plenty of layers including a hat and avoid over exposure or long periods in the cold, limit the length of their snowball fights / snowman creating.  

Hypothermia is caused by a low body temperature and small children are unable to regulate their own body temperature which increases their chances of developing this.  

If your child starts to feel cold to the touch or look pale, displays constant shivering, tiredness and low energy these can all be a sign of mild hypothermia.  It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect hypothermia, but while you are waiting for help to arrive, make sure they are warmed up gradually.  

Remove any wet clothing, 

Place them in a warm area, 

Encourage them to take some warm drinks.  

DON'T put them directly in a bath or try to warm them up too quickly. 

For further hints and tips on managing hypothermia check out NHS choices http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hypothermia/Pages/Introduction.aspx

                                           Fractures 

Snowball fights and tobogganing are always great fun, and I can't wait to introduce my daughter to them.  Cold weather and snow and ice means slippery pavements and roads which can cause falls and in some cases broken limbs.  If you can avoid walking on the streets this would be beneficial to reduce risk but if the worst happens, how would you recognise or manage a fracture?

Pain to the limb in question

Loss of Power or inability to use the limb

Unusual movement or position 

Swelling and bruising around the area

Deformity and in some cases the bone may break through the skin

You may also hear a bone snap as you fall and you may also feel a bit dizzy or faint if you go into shock

If you do suspect a fracture, it is important to seek medical advice either from a minor injuries unit or emergency department and try not to move the affected limb more than is necessary.  Avoid eating and drinking incase surgery is required. 

The winter can be a season of great fun, log fires and hot chocolate and can be enjoyed by all if you wrap up warm 

Water Safety

Having read a couple of stories at the beginning of the summer about drownings / near drownings that have occurred both in public swimming pools and also on the beach it reminded me how dangerous the water can be.  

My 3 year old is extremely confident in the water, she seems to think she is some kind of mermaid, but even with my eyes firmly tamed on her she had a recent fall into the river during a camping trip.  She was playing on the river bank and disappeared in the blink of an eye.  She was retrieved within seconds and came out of the experience unscathed, but it was proof of how quickly these things can occur.

Summer fun is often associated with water and children love getting wet, so as long as we keep safe then the fun can continue

Young children are at risk of drowning in and around the home in the bath, ponds or garden. Older children are more at risk of drowning in open water as they get more confident in their skills.  

In 2010 8 children under 15 drowned in the UK  

Three of these children were under one, 12 were between one and four, four were between five and nine, and nine were between ten and 14

About 150 children under 15 were taken to hospital after nearly drowning in 2010-11

Parents can help reduce the risk of drowning but ensuring they supervise their children in and around the water even if they are sitting in a few centimetres of water in the bath.  Children are unpredictable and can vanish into the water in the blink of an eye.  They do not tend to panic and thrash around drawing attention to themselves when they do get into trouble which makes it even harder to spot.

What to do if someone gets into difficulty in the water?

Only enter the water if it is absolutely necessary

Once you have got the person onto land, open their airway and check to see if they are breathing - look listen and feel for up to ten seconds.  

If you think they're not breathing effectively, commence CPR. Open their airway and give five initial rescue breaths before starting CPR. If you're alone, perform CPR for one minute before calling for emergency help.

If the person is unconscious but you think that they are still breathing effectively (you can see their chest rise and fall 2 - 3 times in a ten second period), put them into the recovery position with their head lower than their body and call an ambulance immediately.

Continue to observe the casualty to ensure they don't stop breathing or that their airway becomes obstructed.

If they are conscious they are at risk of hypothermia.  Remove wet clothing, wrap in warm, dry clothes / a foil blanket if available and give small sips of a warm drink

The water can be a lot of fun, but it is so important to be vigilant so everyone can enjoy their summer, to learn more or book a first aid course visit my website www.safety-first-welling.org

Happy swimming

Water Safety

Having read a couple of stories at the beginning of the summer about drownings / near drownings that have occurred both in public swimming pools and also on the beach it reminded me how dangerous the water can be.  

My 4 year old is extremely confident in the water, she seems to think she is some kind of mermaid, but even with my eyes firmly tamed on her she had a recent fall into the river during a camping trip.  She was playing on the river bank and disappeared in the blink of an eye.  She was retrieved within seconds and came out of the experience unscathed, but it was proof of how quickly these things can occur.

Summer fun is often associated with water and children love getting wet, so as long as we keep safe then the fun can continue

Who is at Risk?

Young children are at risk of drowning in and around the home in the bath, ponds or garden. Older children are more at risk of drowning in open water as they get more confident in their skills.  

Statistics

In 2010 8 children under 15 drowned in the UK  

About 150 children under 15 were taken to hospital after nearly drowning in 2010-11

How to reduce the risk

Parents can help reduce the risk of drowning but ensuring they supervise their children in and around the water even if they are sitting in a few centimetres of water in the bath.  Children are unpredictable and can vanish into the water in the blink of an eye.  They do not tend to panic and thrash around drawing attention to themselves when they do get into trouble which makes it even harder to spot.

What to do if someone gets into difficulty in the water?

Only enter the water if it is absolutely necessary

Once you have got the person onto land, open their airway and check to see if they are breathing - look listen and feel for up to ten seconds.  

If you think they're not breathing effectively, commence CPR. Open their airway and give five initial rescue breaths before starting CPR. If you're alone, perform CPR for one minute before calling for emergency help.

If the person is unconscious but you think that they are still breathing effectively (you can see their chest rise and fall 2 - 3 times in a ten second period), put them into the recovery position with their head lower than their body and call an ambulance immediately.

Continue to observe the casualty to ensure they don't stop breathing or that their airway becomes obstructed.

If they are conscious they are at risk of hypothermia.  Remove wet clothing, wrap in warm, dry clothes / a foil blanket if available and give small sips of a warm drink

The water can be a lot of fun, but it is so important to be vigilant so everyone can enjoy their summer, to learn more or book a first aid course visit my website www.safety-first-welling.org

Happy swimming

And it Ended in the Emergency Department

Last Thursday I got the phone call that every parent dreads when in between first aid courses (ironically) from an unknown number and decided to answer it to hear...."hi, it's dad here, just thought you should know we are in first aid........". My little lady had been out for the day with grandma and granddad enjoying the sunshine, when she had tripped and fallen, hitting her head in the process.  After a quick discussion with her granddad, I ascertained she was okay just bleeding quite a lot but still smiling, I managed to have a little chat with her as well which gave me some comfort.   The afternoon progressed, but the bleeding didn't stop, so off she went to the Emergency Department and some glue and a lolly later she was in fine fettle just bashed up and grazed.

Nearly a week on the scabs are disappearing and she is back to her normal self, with more grazes to each leg after more little scuffles and scrapes.  Such a clumsy little lady but thankfully she lived to tell the tale. So what do you need to do in the event of a head injury?  The first 24 hours are crucial.  Keep them calm, observe them for abnormal drowsiness, an ongoing headache, irritability or vomiting, and if in doubt get them checked out.  A cut to the head will bleed quite a lot so if this happens apply pressure directly to the area for 10 minutes, apply a dressing and then get the wound checked if the bleeding persists or the edges are not coming together. For further information on managing a minor head injury follow this link http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Head-injury-minor/Pages/Introduction.aspx

www.safety-first-welling.org