HOW YOU CAN HELP SAVE A LITTLE ONE’S LIFE

ALARMINGLY, surveys show that only a small percentage of us knows what to do in a health emergency. That’s why the Daily Mail has teamed up with St John Ambulance to produce this first aid series to give you the confidence and skills to act in a crisis. Today, we address common health hazards affecting babies and children.

WOulD you know what to do if your child started choking on a strawberry during a picnic in the park? Or if your neighbour knocked at your door with her unresponsive toddler in her arms?

Childhood presents its own set of first aid emergencies to contend with — occasionally life- threatening, usually less serious, all potentially terrifying for family and friends.

We all want to help, yet surveys show that many of us either don’t know what to do or are too fearful of getting something wrong. But knowing what steps to take in an emergency can improve a child’s chances of making a quick recovery — and could even save a life.

Many first aid situations involving children occur because of their immaturity. They may stumble and hurt themselves because they are not yet steady on their feet, for instance, or choke because they have put an object into their mouths out of natural curiosity.

‘Many of the accidents that befall children come about as part of life’s rich tapestry, as they grow up and explore the world around them,’ says Alan Weir, head of clinical operations at St John Ambulance.

Accidents that might be unpleasant and painful for an adult — such as knocking a hot cup of tea over themselves — can be more serious for a child. Because they are small, the scald affects a much larger proportion of their bodies.

And, as their bodies are still developing, they can respond differently to things such as having a high temperature. Some children will experience convulsions, as the part of their brain that deals with temperature regulation is not yet sufficiently developed. Here’s how to cope when a little one has an emergency.

TEMPERATURES

All children suffer high temperatures from time to time. A normal temperature for a baby or child is between 36.4c and 37c, depending on where it is taken from — a fever is a temperature of 38c or above.

SYMPTOMS

He or she feels clammy or sweaty and has flushed cheeks

He or she feels hotter than usual to the touch (on their forehead, back or stomach) WHAT TO DO

you can usually look after your child at home — the important thing is to give them plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. If you are breastfeeding, offer more feeds than usual.

Check their temperature — use a digital thermometer, as they are the most accurate. Seek urgent medical advice or take them to hospital if:

your child has other worrying symptoms such as a rash (see back page of this supplement for how to deal with possible meningitis and sepsis).

your baby or child’s temperature is 39c or higher and your child is under the age of four.

SEIZURES

SOMETIMES babies and young children can suffer a seizure or convulsion as a result of having a temperature, often following an infection. This is most common in children aged between six months and three years.

This type of seizure, known as a febrile seizure, occurs because the brain is not mature enough to cope with the body’s high temperature.

Suffering from febrile seizures does not necessarily mean a child will develop epilepsy later on. Occasionally, a seizure can follow a head injury.

SYMPTOMS

High temperature Unresponsiveness Clenched fists Muscle contraction and tensing

Jerking movements

WHAT TO DO

Clear away objects that may cause injury.

put soft padding such as blankets or pillows around them to protect them. Do not restrain them. Cool them, if appropriate, by removing a layer of clothing.

When the seizure has stopped, put them in the recovery position (see page 3 of this supplement). Call 999 or 112 for help. Monitor their level of responsiveness while you wait for help to arrive.