Keep your kids safe this summer

WITH Australian families emerging from their spring slumbers to embrace the sunshine the Royal Children Hospital Melbourne has released some tips, tricks and advice to keep everyone safe this summer.

RCHM said the warmer months are often a period where accidents and injuries occur as families get outdoors and active and as such are shining a spotlight on summer safety.

Water safety:
It only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown: to keep children safe around water provide constant, active supervision; restrict access to water; learn CPR; increase water awareness.

Sun protection:
Children can get sunburnt is less than 10 minutes, teach your child to be SunSmart: slip on clothing; slop on sunscreen; slap on a hat; seek shade; slide on sunglasses.

Burns first aid:
One in four parents don’t know the correct first aid for a burn: if your child gets a burn, place the area under cool running water for 20 minutes and seek medical advice. Do NOT apply ice or any other lotion or ointment.

Hot weather:
Never leave kids in cars: on a hot day the temperature inside a parked car can reach 60°C in minutes; to avoid dehydration, offer your child frequent drinks on hot days.

Choking first aid:
One in four parents don’t know the first aid for a choking child: if a child is choking, first tell them to cough, continue to check for breathing; if coughing doesn’t help or they stop breathing, call 000; give five sharp back blows with the heel of your hand between the shoulder blades; if unconscious start CPR.

For more information and to print out a full guide go to rchpoll.org.au/poll-blog-posts/spotlight-on-summer-safety.