Article by Sarah Russell-Davis
After one of the most challenging years we’ve all faced, the sun is finally out and we are enjoying the great outdoors more than ever!
With lockdown restrictions gradually easing, family days out and staycations are back on the menu so here some child safety and first-aid tips to ensure you enjoy a happy and healthy summer.
SUN SAFETY
The most common and obvious risk to us all is sunburn. It is super important that we protect our skin from the sun.
Sunscreen is generally not recommended for babies under 6 months – just keep them in the shade and well hydrated. For children look for SPF 30 or higher and UVA five.
Reapply every couple of hours and after swimming and towel drying, not forgetting areas such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands!
Encourage your child to play in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest.
Cover your child up in loose cotton clothes and encourage your child to wear a floppy hat with a wide brim that shades their face, ears and neck. Protect your child’s eyes with sunglasses that meet the British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005) and carry the CE mark.
Ensure your child stays hydrated by having lots of water available and offer homemade ice lollies and fruit high in water content.
WATER SAFETY
Drowning happens silently. A drowning child can’t speak or control their arms. They slip quietly under the water.
Children can drown in as little as 5cm of water so ensure that you empty the paddling pool after you’ve finished using it and if you have a pond in your garden, consider converting it to a sandpit or fence it off.
Teach children from a young age about the dangers of the sea and always to swim between the flagged area patrolled by lifeguards. Dress your child in brightly coloured swimwear so they are easily visible and always supervise children when they’re playing in the sea.
Inflatables can easily be swept out to sea in the wind so it’s best not to use them if it’s windy.
BEE STINGS
If you or your child accidentally get stung by a bee (or wasp) remove the sting by scraping it off with the edge of a credit card. Wash the affected area with soap and water and apply a cold compress for at least 10 minutes. ⠀
The pain, swelling and itchiness can sometimes last a few days. Ask your pharmacist about medicines that can help, such as painkillers, creams for itching and antihistamines. ⠀
Some people can have anaphylactic reactions to bites or stings and go into shock. If they are known to have this reaction and have an Epipen with them please administer it and call 999 for an ambulance.
The use of Epipens is something that is covered in all our training courses. If this is the first time this reaction has occurred, make sure you stay with the person and focus on keeping them calm. Loosen any tight clothing and call 999 IMMEDIATELY!!
Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable summer!
Daisy First Aid runs award winning and CPD accredited Family First Aid Classes and Paediatric First Aid Course for Child Care providers.
About Sarah Russell-Davis
Sarah runs Daisy First Aid Brighton, Hove, Lewes and surrounding areas. You can contact Sarah for information or to book a private class via email or book a public venue class on her webpage: www.daisyfirstaid.com/brighton-and-hove/