As an ex-nurse, I have always believed that everyone should learn the basic first aid principles as it is an essential life skill which could be very helpful to people around you. That belief has deepened since I became a mother as I realised that it is essential for every parent/carer to learn baby and child first aid. Babies and children are so accident prone – I have lost count how many times I have needed to apply first aid for both of my young children.
Did you know that you can learn first aid with British Red Cross (BRC) online and through courses around the UK? If you would like to learn more about the app and courses (suitable for parents who have kids aged between 0-12 years old), click on the link here.
Their Baby and Child First Aid app is free to download. The app is available from iTunes App Store or Google Play. Get your free baby & child first aid app now! Why wait? It is informative and educational and great for any parent/carer.
In this app, it is divided into six different sections – Learn, Prepare, Emergency, Test, Toolkit and Info.
LEARN
In the Learn section, you will find 17 topics like Allergic Reaction/Anaphylaxis, Asthma Attack, Burns, Head Injury, Fever etc. Simply click on the topic and it will display a short video, written information with diagrams and Q&A’s. The videos are quick and straight to the point. The instructions are clear and easy to understand.
PREPARE
This section is all about preparing you and to prevent incidents. It covers information such as eating, electrical incidents, fire, out & about etc. It also references other resources online such as the NHS and GOV.
EMERGENCY
It covers all emergency situations and repeats the vital information within the ‘Learn’ section.
TEST
I love this section! I might be an ex-nurse but it does not mean I know it all! In this section, it tests your knowledge about all the information within the Learn section. By testing yourself, it gives you confidence to know that you have the knowledge required to act in these incidents, and help you to work through the sections, and to complete them.
TOOLKIT
This section allows you to add a child record. This useful section allows you to add your child’s details, GP details, medication and allergies if you wish. The idea is to save you time by providing the health professionals all the relevant and important information in just a few clicks.
INFO
In this final section, it tells you all about the BRC, how to make a donation, finding the nearest First Aid courses, etc. They also want to hear if the app has helped you in a first aid situation. If it has, then do email them to let them know.
Since being a home-maker, I did lose touch with my First Aid skills. I am delighted that I can refresh my knowledge through this app, especially for babies and children. I always thought that rubbing toothpaste into a burn would help soothe it. This myth is incorrect. According to the Q&A, it mentions that there is no clinical evidence to suggest a benefit. It is always good to know the truth behind an old wives tale!
The app is easy to navigate and understand. The information is accurate and up to date. I feel reassured by the fact that it is made by British Red Cross who are respected and renowned for its first aid training courses. Best of all, the app is free so it is a win-win for everyone!
Disclosure: This content is in collaboration with British Red Cross.
That video is mad! It is a very serious subject though – I took my first First Aid Certificate before I had my first child, it should be offered to all new parents x