Helping parents to deal with minor illnesses

Published Wednesday, 15th August 2018

NHS England and St John Ambulance, the nation’s leading first aid charity, are asking Hartlepool parents to take some simple steps to become more confident in self-care and first aid.

Having an ill child or dealing with a minor injury can be daunting, but parents are often best placed to help their child get better quickly. Understanding more about common childhood injuries or illnesses, and basic first aid skills, can help you decide what to do.

While it can be daunting when children become ill with a temperature or a minor injury, these can often be dealt with at home with basic first aid skills or with the help of a pharmacist. Pharmacists can offer expert advice, are often open longer than other NHS services, and can be in more convenient places.

Graham Ellis, Regional Training Manager at St John Ambulance in the North said: “First aid is a simple skill but can have an incredible impact. Whether treating a minor injury, or reacting in an emergency situation, having the skills and confidence to help is invaluable.

“Lots of minor injuries can be easily treated at home and we would encourage everyone to learn. Our website, www.sja.org.uk has lots of great first information and details of where people can sign up for first aid courses.”

Signs of possible serious illness:

  • Your child is very drowsy or irritable and doesn’t improve after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen.
  • Your child has problems breathing – e.g. rapid breaths, short of breath or ’working hard’ to breathe (which sometimes looks as though the skin below the ribs gets sucked in when they inhale).
  • Cold or discoloured hands or feet with a warm body.
  • Unusual skin colour (pale or blue around lips)
  • Persistent high temperature (40c or above) which does not come down with treatment.
  • An infant who is not feeding or any child showing signs of dehydration.

NHS England’s Medical Director for Cumbria and the North East, Professor Chris Gray, said: “Having a poorly child can be worrying but often the best person to help quickly is you. Understanding common illnesses and injuries, and having a first aid kit and knowledge of first aid can help you feel more confident in knowing what to do.

“NHS Choices is an excellent website for health advice, and parents and carers can also download the ‘NHS Child Health’ app.

“Don’t forget that your local pharmacist is trained in managing minor illnesses and can help quickly, and using them can help to free up GP time for urgent appointments.

“In all cases, if you think your child is more seriously injured or ill, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible. In an emergency, dial 999 for an ambulance.”

Parents and carers of children under five can get medical advice on a range of common childhood illnesses from the ‘NHS Child Health’ app on Google Play or the Apple App store.

To find your nearest service and get further advice, visit www.urgentoremergency.co.uk