First Aid Tips For The Summer Holidays

The school holidays are upon us, and it’s a good time to review some first aid tips!

If you’re a parent, grandparent or guardian, you’ll probably be looking forward to a few weeks with your little (or not-so-little) ones… But dreading the inevitable calamities that are highly likely to happen!

As a leading provider of first aid training, we know all too well that fun and games can lead to injuries and drama, so we’re here to help!

This first aid guide will help you manage common summer mishaps and ensure a safe holiday for all.

Common Summer Accidents Among Children

The most important thing to say, before we begin, is to STAY CALM!

Going in with a level head and a reassuring demeanour for the child is incredibly important.

You may not be up to date with your first aid training for parent or child carers, but that does not mean you don’t know what to do… People are rarely prepared for an accident to happen.

We have a wealth of completely free first aid guides that you can download and keep.

So let’s look at the most common (and avoidable) accidents that are likely to occur… what to do, how to prevent them and get on with enjoying the summer holidays!

Falls and Scrapes

Children love running around, but outdoor play often leads to minor falls and grazes.

If your kids are anything like mine, then falls can happen literally anywhere, at any time!

Whilst it may be impossible to avoid them, you can brush up on exactly what to do.

What to Do:

• Clean the wound with water and mild soap.
• Apply an antiseptic.
• Cover with a sterile bandage.
• Watch for signs of infection.

Prevention Tips:

• Supervise active play.
• Encourage play in soft, grassy areas.
• Teach kids to wear proper footwear.

Insect Bites and Stings

Bees, wasps, and mosquitoes are common during summer. So stings and bites are inevitable.

This advice isn’t just for kids… Especially if you are a mozzie-magnet like I am.

What to Do:

• Remove the stinger if visible.
• Wash the area and apply ice.
• Use antihistamine cream to reduce itching.
• Seek medical help if swelling spreads or breathing is affected.

Prevention Tips:

• Use insect repellent.
• Dress kids in light, long-sleeved clothes.
• Avoid areas with standing water.

Heat Exhaustion and Sunburn

The British sun may seem mild, but it can still cause harm.

We’re often blessed with a cool breeze or a bit of cloud cover that makes it hard to gauge how hot it really is.

Really, it’s best to keep on verbally checking that the child feels OK because if we wait for physical signs like redness or upset and irritability, then we may have left it a little late.

What to Do for Heat Exhaustion:

• Move the child to a cool spot.
• Offer water or electrolyte drinks.
• Apply cool, wet cloths to their skin.

What to Do for Sunburn:

• Cool the skin with damp cloths.
• Apply aloe vera or after-sun lotion.
• Avoid sun exposure until skin heals.

Prevention Tips:

• Keep children hydrated.
• Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen regularly.
• Limit time in direct sunlight.

Cuts and Bleeding

Summer is great.

Eating outside, playing in the garden, running through parks… All fantastic.

But hidden dangers can be lurking in the grass, the sand or even on the tabletop. Sharp edges and broken glass can cause deep wounds.

The main thing is not to panic and take the following action:

What to Do:

• Apply pressure to stop bleeding.
• Clean the wound gently.
• Cover with a clean bandage.
• Seek medical help for deep or large cuts.

Prevention Tips:

• Keep play areas clear of hazards.
• Use child-safe equipment and toys.
• Store sharp tools out of reach.

Choking and Minor Burns from BBQs

Summer barbecues bring food, fun, and risks.

No matter how many times you tell kids to eat slower, chew their food properly or keep away from the BBQ, they will rarely listen!

So… Be prepared!

What to Do for Choking:

• Encourage coughing.
• Give 5 back blows, then 5 abdominal thrusts if needed.
• Call emergency services if the child can’t breathe.

What to Do for Minor Burns:

• Cool the burn under running water for 20 minutes.
• Don’t use ice or greasy creams.
• Cover with a non-stick dressing.

Prevention Tips:

• Cut food into small pieces.
• Watch kids around hot grills.
• Keep flammable items out of reach.

Essential First Aid Kit for Summer Holidays

Pack these items before heading out:

• Plasters and antiseptic wipes
• Sterile gauze and bandages
• Tweezers and scissors
• Thermometer
• Insect repellent and bite cream
• Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
• Oral rehydration salts
• Painkillers suitable for children

Keep your kit in the car, backpack, or beach bag.

Teach Kids Basic Safety Rules

Equip children with simple tips:

• Stay within sight of adults.
• Don’t touch unknown plants or bugs.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Tell an adult if they feel unwell or hurt.

When to Seek Emergency Help

Call 999 if a child:

• Has difficulty breathing
• Loses consciousness
• Has a deep wound that won’t stop bleeding
• Shows signs of heatstroke or allergic reaction

Stay Safe and Enjoy the Holidays

Summer holidays should be about fun, sun and freedom.

With a little preparation, you can prevent most accidents and respond calmly if something happens.

Keep this guide handy and enjoy the sunshine safely with your kids.

If you feel like your first aid skills need a brush-up, you can contact Safe & Sound training. We’ll be happy to make sure you’re mentally and physically equipped to deal with any emergency!