First Aid, Advice News & Updates
Each year in the UK, around 30,000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest can affect anyone, at any age and at any time – from children at school to adults at home, at work or out in public. If victims aren’t treated properly, more...
Pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) all play an important role in preventing sudden cardiac death and treating heart rhythm problems. Although they all involve electricity and the heart, they are...
Myth 1: Anaphylaxis often results in death Fact: Anaphylaxis is potentially life-threatening, but fatal outcomes are extremely rare. Key statistics: • Fatal food anaphylaxis occurs annually just 1–2 people per million • Hospital admissions for anaphylaxis have...
This article summarises Benedict’s Law, the background to the campaign, the circumstances surrounding the death of Benedict Blythe, the official inquest findings, the Coroner’s Prevention of Future Deaths Report, and the implications for schools, early years settings...
This Histamine is produced by the body during an allergic reaction, an antihistamine counteracts this. Try different antihistamines to see which works best for you. There are older ones that may cause drowsiness and newer ones that don’t. The older ones are...
Ear problems can be very uncomfortable and unpleasant, especially in children. However, they don't usually cause long term problems. Here are the top common ear problems and how to deal with them so they don't cause too much pain or distress. Ear infections...
How to keep children safe in the sun Summer is great, with warmer weather and more time to be outside. However the sun can cause damage to our children’s delicate skins and it is important to know how to stay safe: Don't burn! The sun’s UV rays can quickly damage...
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) works by acting as an external, manual pump for the heart. When a person's heart stops beating effectively (cardiac arrest), blood flow to the brain and other vital organs ceases. CPR helps keep oxygenated blood moving until the...
The correct positioning of AED pads is really important. It has been shown to be critical in ensuring the maximum electric shock flows directly through the heart muscle (the myocardium). If the pads are incorrectly places, the shock can bypass the heart muscle or arc...
A recent study has flagged up that as many as 1 in 5 prescriptions may include mistakes, and it has been estimated that GPs, pharmacists, care homes and hospitals could be making up to 237 million drug errors annually. For some patients these mistakes can be hugely...
Having fun in the sun during the summer holidays often includes water, be it in a paddling pool, Lido, villa pool, lake, river or the sea. However, whilst it is refreshing to take a dip, staying safe is vital. Sadly, drowning can happen quickly and quietly. In fact,...
Unpaid carers are a lifeline to those they look after and are of huge benefit to society as a whole. A staggering 7 million of us in the UK are carers and so the relief to NHS services is truly incalculable. Supporting carers and enabling them to care effectively and...
Everyone has suffered from those incredibly itchy bites and stings that keep you awake at night. Although some people may seem more susceptible to bites, others may have spectacular and occasionally life-threatening reactions. This guide gives you a general overview...
All dog walkers should be aware of the dangers of a serious bacterial infection called Lyme disease which is passed on by ticks to them and their dog. Lyme disease can be a devastating disease, yet it can be easily treated if caught early. Dogs, cats and humans...
What is Chickenpox? Chickenpox is usually a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some point. It causes a rash of red, itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters. They then crust over to form scabs, which eventually drop off. Some...
