Fred Safety and Mini First Aid are working together to help you understand the safety risks at home and how to help your child if the worst should happen. This week Mini First Aid offer essential advice for treating a burn or a scald and their top tips for burn prevention.
A significant proportion of burns and scalds are among children under the age of 5 where the most prevalent cause of injury is from hot liquids, such as tea and coffee spills and liquids on the stove. Accidents like these are entirely preventable. (Source: Burns Trust)
289 children a month require admission to an NHS Burns Service following injury with hot liquids. (International Burn Injury Database (iBID) 2017/18)
First Aid for Burns & Scalds
- As soon as possible put the burn under running tap water to help cool it. You will need to do this for at least 10 minutes but preferably for 20.
- Take off any clothing or jewellery that is near the burn unless it is melted or attached to the wound.
- Use clingfilm to cover the wound or a sterile dressing that isn’t fluffy. Keep the patient warm.
- If you need medical help then call 999 or 111.
Taking these steps to treat a burn or scald can make a huge difference to recovery and scarring.
ALWAYS
- Protect your hob with a Fred Stove & Hob Guard.
- Make sure hot drinks are kept out of reach of babies and young children.
- When cooking always use the hob rings at the back and turn handles away from the edge so hot pans are out of reach.
- Install and regularly test smoke alarms at home.
- When running a bath always start with the cold water and then add the hot water. Always test the temperature.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
- Store chemicals, cleaners and acids in a locked cupboard.
- Learn first aid skills that could help you save lives by attending a Mini First Aid class.
NEVER
- Drink hot drinks while holding or breastfeeding your baby.
- Allow your baby or child to get in the bath before the water temperature has been tested.
- Use a microwave to heat your babies’ bottles
- Leave a hot iron, kettle or hair straighteners unattended where your child can reach them
- Let your children get close to BBQs or garden chemicals
- Leave children unattended in the kitchen when you are cooking or near fires and heaters
Find your nearest Mini First Aid Class at www.minifirstaid.co.uk
