Basic First Aid Tips

Be prepared for anything by keeping your first aid kit stocked

Emergency situations can be very scary, particularly when they involve an infant or young child. The most important thing is to try to stay as calm as possible and remember to follow these important steps when in an emergency: 1 If you think your child has taken poison, take her to the hospital. 2 If you think your child has been seriously injured, do not move her unless she is in further danger. Keep her warm and comfortable, and wait for help to arrive. 3 Know your basic CPR steps (see pages 20 to 23 for instructions). 4 Have your family’s basic health information handy for emergencies. You should keep a record of your children’s dates of birth, immunisations and any medical history in a safe place that can be easily accessed in the event of an emergency. The paramedics will require as much information as possible to make a speedy diagnosis and assessment of the situation. • You may have been trained in emergency procedures, but when something happens to someone close to you, you may panic and forget what you’ve learnt. Save emergency numbers in your phone so they are always easy to find.

HOME FIRST AID KIT

It’s ideal to have everything on hand in case of an emergency. Pack all your supplies in something light, durable and childproof. Label it and store it somewhere easily accessible, but make sure that children cannot get their hands on any medication or have access to the first aid box. Check your supplies regularly and replace anything that has expired or been opened or used. A plastic-lidded storage container is perfect. Inside should be: • A first aid manual such as

this guide. • Sterile gauze. • Adhesive tape. • Paracetamol syrup, plus a measuring spoon and a syringe. • At least two crepe or open

weave bandages to bind dressings and to support injured joints. • At least two triangular,

elastic bandages for slings. • Two large and small sterile

dressings. • One sterile eye dressing. • Four gauze pads as extra

padding over a dressing. • One pack of sterile swabs. • A range of different sizes of adhesive dressings and/or plasters. • Antiseptic wipes. • Antibiotic cream. • Antiseptic solution. • Hydrocortisone cream. • Rehydration powder. • Tweezers, a pair of sharp scissors and some safety pins. • Two disposable cold packs. • Burnshield. • Antihistamine cream to

soothe stings or bites. • Thermometer. • Plastic gloves. • Disposable rescuscitator/

mouth-to-mouth device. • List of emergency phone numbers (should also be kept near your telephones).

MAKE A PLAN

If you’ve run out of supplies, think out of the box:

• Clean cotton pillowcases make an excellent loose covering of wounds. • Clean towels or dishcloths make for good emergency bandages. • Clean plastic bags can be put over a burned foot or hand and lightly secured with a bandage. • Anything rigid and straight – like a broomstick or even a rolled- up magazine – can be used to support and splint a limb. • A packet of frozen vegetables can be used as a cold pack. Wrap them up in a dishcloth and then apply to the wound. Don’t apply anything frozen directly as the cold may actually burn the skin.

Call 082-911 for help. If you are with someone, ask them to call 082-911 or dial 112 from your cellphone while you immediately attend to your child.