How often are you alone in the house with just your child?
So when is it too early to teach a little one about 999 and first aid? Well here is a 3 year old impressing us with her bravery!
Scroll down past the video (after you have watched it), to see our tips to make sure your little one knows what to do when the worst happens, it may just save yours or someone you care about’s life…
Our top tips to teach your child about 999 and First Aid
Calling 999
- Show how easy it is to dial 999 from your mobile, or house phone. Make sure it is in reach! We realise this could result in a fake call, but explaining how important this call is, will hopefully stop them from using this knowledge incorrectly.
- Where do you live? A post code, or street name is a useful bit of information to have on the fridge, or on the back of the phone, with a number to call for Daddy or Nanny
- How can the emergency services get in to the house, if you are unable to open the door? How does the child know who is the right and wrong person to open the door to? These questions are important to discuss with your little one.
Basic First Aid for children
- Teach your child to learn if someone is breathing. Is the chest going up and down, and able to hear or feel their breath by putting your ear close to the casualties mouth. Practice on a teddy bear, and then on each other
- Teach your child to know if someone is sleeping, and how you can get a response. Talking loudly in their ear, or pinching the back of their hand.
- Where is the First Aid Kit? Have a basic kit in a low shelf or cupboard, without any of the dangerous items. Just some bandages, and plasters. Show the child how to apply a bandage, play doctors and nurses.
As the child gets older, and can grasp more things, consider looking at local courses, to teach them the basics, such as the recovery position, and how to treat a bleed. As they start going off with friends, it is vital they know what to do, to buy time until help arrives.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss running a course for you and your friends.
