Many families will be gearing up for all of the festive fun which Christmas has to offer. However, a charity group has urged people to remain aware in case anything goes wrong.
St Andrew’s First Aid, Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity, has shared its tips to keep families safe this winter season. They say Christmas is a busy time, with plenty of room for accidents and incidents.
From cooking to decorating the home things can go wrong, and the charity group wants to make sure that people are prepared. This includes knowing vital CPR as well as what to do if somebody is choking.
Here are some of their festive first aid tips, which should allow people to rest assured they are prepared for a very merry Christmas.
Keep cool in the heat of the kitchen
When preparing multiple meals, not to mention juggling a turkey and all the trimmings on Christmas Day, it is key to be careful of exposed stoves, boiling pans, and hot countertops.
St Andrew’s First Aid says: "If you or a loved one receives a burn while cooking, hold the affected area under cold running water for at least 20 minutes to cool the area. Apply a sterile dressing or clingfilm to the area once it has been cooled. Do not apply creams or lotions!"
They also add Christmas could pose a knife risk, stating: "Whether it’s chopping a mountain of carrots, parsnips, sprouts and potatoes in prep for the big day or if carving the turkey goes awry at just the wrong time, make sure you clean the wound by placing it under cool running water or use an alcohol-free wipe.
"Apply gentle pressure to the area and keep it elevated, if possible, to minimise the bleeding, then dress with a sterile plaster or dressing. Firmly secure the dressing to maintain pressure on the wound but take care to not cut off circulation. If the bleeding persists or is heavy, seek medical attention."
Don’t go poking if someone is choking
There might be a choking risk thanks to all of the festive treats going around, warn the first aid experts. They ask people to keep an eye out for the signs of choking, and to understand the best way to respond.
They explain: "If a loved one is choking, assess the severity of the situation. If they are unable to talk or cough, the obstruction is severe, and you need to deliver up to five firm blows to the back using the heel of you hand between their shoulder blades.
"Keep checking to see if the object has cleared – but do not attempt to remove it in case you cause it to lodge in further. If the back blows don’t work, give them up to five abdominal thrusts by standing behind them, link your hands between their belly button and the bottom of their breastbone, your lower hand must be clenched in a fist. Pull inwards and upwards sharply.
"For babies, deliver the blows with them face-down along your thigh. Make sure to support their head while you hold them in this position. If they are still choking, turn them face-up, place two fingers in the middle of their chest and deliver five sharp pushes."
If the first cycle of back blows and thrusts are unsuccessful call 999/112 for an ambulance and keep repeating the back blows and abdominal thrusts until the emergency services arrive or the obstruction clears.
Stay alert during the party
Many of us will probably enjoy a very merry Christmas and festive season with a few tipples that are stronger than water. However, it is important to keep yourself hydrated. For each alcoholic drink you consume, the first aid group suggests pairing it with a glass of water to ensure you are properly hydrated.
They also warn of a potential cardiac arrest risk, saying: "In amongst the excitement of Christmas, it is vital to stay alert and be on hand for any life-threatening situations. In the instance of cardiac arrest, CPR must be delivered quickly and efficiently to continue the flow of oxygen to the brain.
"If your loved one collapses and is unresponsive and not breathing, call 999/112 and begin CPR as soon as possible. Place the heel of one hand on the centre of their chest, place your other on top of your first hand, and interlink your fingers.
"Deliver between 100-120 chest compressions per minute on the centre of the chest. For children, use one hand, and two fingers for babies."
For further information please visit the St Andrew’s First Aid website here .
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