4/4: Emergency Tips

Burns and scalds

What to do

• if your child's clothes are burning, push them to the ground, and smother the flames in a coat or blanket
• Cool the area down with cold water or hold it under a tap for at least ten minutes

  When to dial 999 or go to casualty

• Any burn larger than your child's hand
• Deep, heavily blistered or very painful burns
• If the skin turns black, white or is broken
• Burns on the face

  Important

• Do not put butter, lotions or ointments on a burn
• Never try to burst a blister caused by a burn
• Never try to remove anything sticking to a burn Cuts and bites

Cuts and Bites

What to do

• Try to stop the bleeding by pressing it with clean hands for a few minutes
• Hold a cut arm or leg up high (as long as it isn't broken)

  When to dial 999 or go to casualty

• Deep cuts where the edges can't be pulled together
• All animal bites
• Wounds with something stuck in them
• If you cannot stop the bleeding

  Important:

• Do not remove anything stuck in a wound

Head Injuries

What to do

• Hold a damp, cold cloth on minor bumps and knocks for at least ten minutes
• If your child is unconscious move her into the recovery position and call an ambulance (see illustration )

When to dial 999 or go to casualty

• If your child vomits
• If your child goes unconscious
• If your child appears confused, drowsy, or sleepy

  Important

• Do not move her if you think she has broken bones
• Any head injury can be potentially serious- if you are unsure go to casualty

Rashes

What to do

• If your child is covered with a rash, look at the spots through the bottom of a glass pressed on to the skin (see illustration)

  When to dial 999 or go to casualty

  If the spots do not disappear, this could be a sign of a serious illness - call your doctor or go to casualty immediately

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