Parents and carers are being encouraged to become superheroes this summer - by taking simple steps to keep little ones safe.

With the 6 week school summer holidays approaching, longer nights upon us and more warm weather forecast, health chiefs are offering top tips to help adults protect younger members of the family.

Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles all know that you can't stop children having bumps and scrapes, but you can be their summer superhero by knowing how to come to their rescue.

"These top tips can give you the super powers you need when they think it's the end of the world."

The superlative seven include:

  • first aid kit; the first rule of superhero school is always be prepared, so make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked and medicines are in date. A basic first aid kit should include plasters, dressings, a crepe bandage, safety pins, antiseptic cream, bite cream, antihistamine, scissors, and pain relief such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or infant painkillers
  • sun cream; don't just save them, but protect them from danger in the first place. SPF 50 will provide the best protection. Reapply regularly, especially if children are playing in water or swimming. Wear sun hats and stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm if possible
  • hydration; avoid heat exhaustion or heatstroke by making sure the family stay hydrated on hot days. Offer water or diluted squash or fruit juice to make sure they have plenty of fluids. If children do become dehydrated, rehydration fluids are available from local pharmacies
  • bumps; most bumps are minor and can be treated with hugs, a cold compress and suitable pain relief. If the child suffers any dizziness, unconsciousness, repeated vomiting or a headache which is getting worse, seek advice by calling NHS 111
  • cuts and scrapes; many cuts and scrapes can be treated easily with the first aid kit. Wash cuts with clean water, stop the bleeding and apply a plaster or dressing. Seek immediate medical attention if the bleeding is uncontrollable
  • burns; minor burns can be treated at home by running cool or lukewarm water over the affected area (do not use ice cold water), and removing clothing close to the burn. If anything is stuck to the burn, avoid pulling it off. Cover the wound in plastic food wrap as it offers protection. Seek immediate medical attention for any burns that are particularly large, deep or that have caused charred or white skin
  • strains and sprains; most strains and sprains can be treated with ice, compression and elevation. Seek advice if you are concerned the sprain could be something more serious

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  • released: Wednesday 5 July, 2017