Let's keep our children safe this summer.
Paediatric first aid specialist Jenni Dunman, founder of Daisy First Aid offers some great advice for parents and carers when dealing with potential summer hazards this holiday season….
Bee and Wasp Stings
A bee will usually leave behind a stinger attached to a venom sac. Remove it quickly
using a scraping motion, a hard edged card like a debit card is perfect for removing the sting.
Wasps don’t leave their stingers which means they can sting again.
• Clean the area with soap and water
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth or wet cloth for a few minutes.
• Age appropriate antihistamine will help with pain and itching, you can also apply calamine lotion.
Call 999 if they show signs of anaphylaxis, symptoms include swelling of mouth, tongue and airway,
which needs to be treated immediately.
Sun Safety
Apply a high SPF sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply during the day
and after swimming.
• Dress your children in protective hats and clothes ideally with sun protection. Try and keep them
out of direct sunlight between 10am-4pm.
• Remember to protect their eyes choose sunglasses with UVA & UVB protection.
• You can still sunburn on a cloudy day, so always protect them.
Dehydration
• Give your child frequent water breaks and spray down children with a spray bottle
• Half fill a water bottle and put in the freezer, then fill the rest with cold water to keep
cool during the day when out and about. Add slices of fruit to add variety.
Lost Child
• Busy beaches, theme parks and events are the times when your little ones can wonder off.
• Show them a landmark for them to go to if they lose you and discuss ‘what if’ you get lost, go to a lifeguard,
policeman or mother with kids.
• Use a child wrist band with your mobile number printed on
• Put them in bright clothes.
Swimming Safety
• Always supervise young children near water, this is not a time to be distracted by your phone!
• Even if a pool has a lifeguard, know where your children are and what they are doing.
• Give your children water confidence by taking swimming lessons.
• Have swimming rules for children like, never swim alone, jump in feet first and check depth,
do not push others and let them know where to get help in an emergency
Take a First Aid Class. It is never too late to learn lifesaving skills. Don’t be the one not knowing how to help your child. www.daisyfirstaid.com