In the event of an accident

Make sure:

• first clear the area of anything which could be dangerous, turning off any electrical equipment and putting out any small fires
• the injured person stays where they are unless there is any immediate dange

Assess the injury:

• Examine the casualty to check for any life threatening conditions that need urgent first aid to preserve life

Check for:

• Consciousness : try to speak to the casualty and get a response
• Breathing : open the casualty’s airway
• Pulse
• Drowsiness
• Serious burns
• Severe pain
• Bleeding

Call an ambulance if:

• You cannot wake the victim, or keep them awake
• The victim is suffering severe pains, serious burns or severe breathing difficulties
• You cannot stop any bleedings
• The victim is bleeding from the ears or mouth

If you or someone else is burnt or scalded make sure you:

• run the burn or scald under cool tap water until the heat is removed from the skin
• remove jewellery and accessories if possible from the burned areas
• cover the affected area with clean, lint free cloth or clingfilm to protect it

• seek immediate medical attention if the burn or scald involves the face, the groin or larger than the palm of your hand

If you or someone else is cut make sure you:

• use cool running water from the tap to clean the affected area
• hold a pad or folded cloth against cut until bleeding stops
• raise a bleeding arm or leg (unless it appears broken)

get medical help:

• if the wound is dirty
• if the wound is deep
• if there is something lodged in the wound
• if the wound will not close

If you or someone else is poisoned make sure you:

• call immediate medical assistance
• find out what has been swallowed
• drink water or milk to dilute the poison - DON’T try and make the victim vomit

• You need to CHECK UP on your safety arrangements. You need to READ UP on all the instructions for your tools, materials and projects. You need to TIDY UP thoroughly after you’ve finished. …three simple steps to safely improve your home.