Anaphylaxis and adrenaline auto-injectors a comprehensive guide Anaphylaxis is an extremely severe allergic reaction. Reactions usually begin within minutes and progress rapidly, however, they can occur up to 2-3 hours after exposure. Exercise can also initiate symptoms a while after exposure to an allergen. Common allergens include food and insect stings. In the UK, 5–8% […]
What to do if someone cuts their finger off It is surprisingly common for people to accidentally cut off part of their fingers, most often by shutting their hand in a slamming door or window or catching their fingers in a hinge or other moving part. If you know the most appropriate, immediate first aid […]
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1) Understand what is normal for your pet so you can quickly spot if something is wrong Help your dog to become accustomed to being examined, so that it becomes a normal part of petting and being with them. Gradually get them used to having their ears, skin, paws, gums and eyes examined, so that […]
If someone cuts themselves and it is bleeding, it is important to know how to help: What should you do? If someone is bleeding a lot, the priority is to stop the blood coming out! It is never a priority to immediately wash an injury. If the wound is serious enough for them to need […]
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In the last year there have been over 50,000 recorded offences involving knives and sharp instruments in the UK. These statistics are shocking and sadly provide a compelling reason to learn first aid. Knife crime is on the rise, with more fatalities and injuries among young people than at any other time. What can we […]
As Easter approaches and supermarket aisles fill with brightly foil wrapped chocolate eggs, a heart breaking warning posted on a parenting website serves as a stark reminder of the choking danger posed by mini eggs. These, and other small spherical sweet treats, are the same size as a child’s airway and thus pose a choking risk […]
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Febrile convulsions are incredibly common in babies and small children. Fits or seizures are triggered by a rise in their core body temperature when they are unwell and feverish. As many as one in 20 children may experience a febrile convulsion by the time they are 5 years old. Febrile convulsions occur most frequently in children between 6 […]
What is a seizure? A seizure is the medical term for a fit or convulsion. One in twenty people will have a seizure at some point in their lives. However, not everyone who has a seizure will have epilepsy. Electrical activity happens constantly in our brains and controls movements and bodily functions. If there is […]
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The British Heart Foundation are campaigning for more people to recognise the signs and symptoms of heart attacks in women. Many people have the misconception that heart attacks only happen to men and this has led to thousands of women failing to realise that they are experiencing a heart attack and consequently not seeking the necessary […]
Pregnancy can be an exciting time for new parents, but for many it brings many worries. There are some adaptations to first aid that are good to know if you or someone you know is pregnant. 1. ChokingIf a heavily pregnant person is choking, first see if they are able to cough and clear the […]