Parents across Scotland are being advised on how to protect children from playground bumps and bruises during the Easter holidays. As part of the national Be Healthwise this Easter campaign, NHS 24 has issued a number of top tips on how to prevent and treat minor scrapes and bruises.
Statistics from RoSPA reveal around 40,000 children are injured in play parks each year in the UK – with most of these resulting in a hospital visit.
Now the telehealth and telecare service, is urging parents to be vigilant in the playground and check there is soft material on the ground such as wood chips or sand. Signs should also be read to make sure equipment is the right age for the child.
Falls can be prevented by checking the condition of guard rails and parents should be aware of tree stumps or rocks, which can cause trips.
NHS 24’s Medical Director, Professor George Crooks said: “Springtime provides a great opportunity for families to get out and about and enjoy the great outdoors – but sometimes things don’t go smoothly.
“Accidents happen and children can be injured on swings, monkey bars, and climbing frames, so it’s important to check that it is up-to-date and free from rust.
“As well as checking playground equipment is up to standard, parents should also know how to treat a minor fall or trip.
“If you have young children, you should have a stock pile of plasters, wipes, gauze and tape for treating minor injuries such as small-scale burns, scratches, knocks and cuts. There is no substitute for soap and water, so make sure you clean any wounds when you get home.
“These medicine cabinet essentials could help your young monkeys stay out of A&E this Easter, so the whole family can have memorable break that everyone can enjoy.”
To find out more about how you can avoid accidents, log on to www.nhsinform.scot
Although many GP surgeries will be closed at Easter, many GPs will be working throughout this period supporting out of hours services across Scotland.
The key steps that Be Ready for Easter recommends this spring are:
Restock your medicine cabinet if needed
Common ailments such as colds can often be effectively treated at home with readily available medicine such as pain relief, cough mixture and cold remedies. Parents are reminded to restock their medicine cabinet with child-friendly remedies. Also stock plasters, iodine, antiseptic cream and wipes, gauze and tape for treating minor injuries such as small-scale burns, scratches, knocks and cuts.
Use your local pharmacy
Your pharmacist can offer advice or help if you need over-the-counter remedies or have run out of any prescribed medication. You can also pick up plasters and antiseptic creams to prepare for any minor accidents.
Make sure you have enough repeat prescription
If you or someone you care for requires medicines regularly, make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you have enough medicine to last over the holiday period. Only order what you need.
Know when your GP surgery will be open
Your local doctor’s surgery may be closed for four days during the Easter weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday (Good Friday on 14 April to Easter Monday on 17 April).
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