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Teaching First Aid For Children | St John Ambulance

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Find out about teaching first aid for children, with our A -Z list of all course module resources on offer, including asthma, bleeding, burns and more.

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Epilepsy Action is the working name of British Epilepsy Association, a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 234343) and a company limited by guarantee (No. 797997) in England.

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Learn the key skills to use in an emergency

Learning even the simplest first aid skill can make the difference in an emergency.

On this page, you can find:

learn first aid skills online

first aid courses and workshops

First aid app by British Red Cross

first aid for babies and children

first aid teaching resources for teachers

Stay safe while giving first aid

Always consider your personal safety when giving first aid. Look out for any dangers and only act when you're confident it's safe.

Be one of a million!

This September, we are calling for a million people in the UK to download our free first aid app to learn life-saving skills and have the confidence to help in an emergency. Our app has already been downloaded by more than 900,000 users and includes easy-to-follow steps and video guides
Download first aid app

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Learn key first aid treatments with the British Red Cross

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Our advice and videos will help you learn simple first aid skills so you will feel confident to help in an emergency.

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Free educational resources

Looking for free educational resources to help keep children safe? Download and share our free safety fact sheets, use our eye-catching materials to create a colourful display or run a virtual safety workshop for parents with our session plans.

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Making sense of accidents Many accidents are a part of growing up. Children need to explore and experiment. But some children suffer the pain of serious accidents that can alter the course of their lives forever.

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If you're feeling under the weather but aren't sure what it could be, an online symptom checker can help you identify whether you need to seek immediate medical attention.

Online symptom checkers are calculators that ask users to input details about their signs and symptoms of sickness, along with their gender, age and location. Using computerised algorithms, the self diagnosis tool will then give a range of conditions that might fit the problems a user is experiencing. They can also advice someone whether to seek advice from a healthcare professional and the level of urgency in which to do so.

How do I know if I'm sick?

Using an online symptom checker is simple. For instance, you might be a 45 year old woman from the UK who is currently experiencing headache, a fever and a sore throat.

Inputting this information into the symptom checker will give you some likely 'common' diagnoses. These include: strep throat, tonsillitis, sinusitis and flu.

But the self-diagnosis calculator will also give a list of rarer but more serious diagnoses in a tab called 'red flags'. Here you'll find links to our patient information leaflets about much less common conditions, such as temporal arteritis, meningitis and toxic shock syndrome. If, after reading the information, you think one of these serious conditions could apply to you, you should seek medical advice immediately.

Patient's symptom checker

Patient uses a self-diagnosis tool called The Isabel Symptom Checker. It was released in 2012 by chief executive officer and co-founder Jason Maude, and has been continually improved and updated ever since.

In 1999 Maude's young daughter, Isabel, contracted the life-threatening conditions necrotising fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome. But doctors had diagnosed her with nothing more than a severe case of chickenpox. Luckily, despite some close calls and a two month stay in hospital, Isabel pulled through. Her diagnosis had been missed by doctors because it was so rare.

So Maude set about creating a tool that would bring up a list of all the possible diseases for an entered set of symptoms, no matter how unlikely. His aim: to ensure that in future more dangerous conditions would not be missed by healthcare professionals and parents would not have to go through what he and his wife experienced.

What's the difference between a sign and a symptom?

'Sign' and 'symptom' are often used interchangeably, but if we're going to be pedantic, they do actually mean different things.

If you're feeling ill it might not be immediately obvious to somebody looking at you that you're sick. For instance, if you're experiencing pain, fatigue or dizziness, only you know what that feels like. These are symptoms - which can only be described by the person experiencing them.

Signs, on the other hand, can be observed by an outsider too. For example, indicators to other people that you're unwell, such as: sweating, sneezing or looking pale. Or, things that can be measured, such as a high blood pressure reading or a fever determined with a thermometer, count as signs.

How safe and accurate are symptom checkers?

Most doctors agree that online symptom checkers are can encourage people with life-threatening symptoms to seek urgent attention, potentially saving lives. They're also useful for reassuring patients who may have sought urgent care when they didn't need to.

However, one study suggested that online symptom checkers tend to be over-cautious, which could lead to an increase in unnecessary appointments, rather than a reduction. Another piece of research from the United States found that doctors are twice as likely to make a correct diagnosis as online symptom checkers.

While these self diagnosis tools can certainly be useful for determining whether a trip to hospital is necessary, they can't match the expertise of an experienced health professional.

Disclaimer

This symptom checker is provided by Isabel Healthcare Limited. Isabel Symptom Checker ("Isabel") and any content accessed through Isabel is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. EMIS shall be in no way responsible for your use of Isabel, or any information that you obtain from Isabel. You acknowledge that when using Isabel you do so at your own choice and in agreement with this disclaimer. Do not ignore or delay obtaining professional medical advice because of information accessed through Isabel. Seek immediate medical assistance or call your doctor for all medical emergencies. By using Isabel you agree to the terms and conditions.

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Symptom Checker at Patient. Check common symptoms online.

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If you're feeling under the weather but aren't sure what it could be, an online symptom checker can help you identify whether you need to seek immediate medical attention. Online symptom checkers are calculators that ask users to input details about their signs and symptoms of sickness, along with their gender, age and location.

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Learn first aid fast and stay prepared for emergencies wherever you are. Download our free first aid app today for guidance and training.

Download on the Apple Store

Download on Google Play

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Really clear instructions, and the videos are excellent. Everyone should download this app. You could save someone's life.
User review from Kary

simple step-by-step guides

videos and interactive quizzes

works without internet

useful tips and signposting to further information

Download from the Apple Store

Download from Google Play

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great reassurance if you have a baby or child. I like that you can test your knowledge. Good to top up on your knowledge every now and then.
User review from Leila

simple step-by-step skill guides

videos

animations

interactive quizzes

toolkit feature to record children's medical needs

useful tips and signposting to further information

first aid course information

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Free first aid apps | Adult and baby | British Red Cross

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Learn first aid and stay prepared for emergencies. Download the British Red Cross' free first aid apps for iOS and Android.

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Learn skills to help a baby or child in a first aid emergency

Our First Aid skills are simple, easy-to-learn, and suitable for anyone looking to learn first aid and help others in an emergency. Explore the different skills below to enhance your own learning so you may be able to assist during an emergency.

Staying safe while giving first aid

Please always consider your personal safety when giving first aid. Look out for any dangers and only act when you're confident it is safe to do so.

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Learn simple first aid skills for babies and children so you will feel confident to help in an emergency.

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Our free teaching resources are designed to give children and young people the skills, confidence and willingness to act when someone is in need of first aid. They also make first aid simple to teach and fun to learn.

First aid champions is a brand new online teaching platform for learners ages 5-18. It's packed full of age-differentiated practical activities, videos, quizzes and guidance to support teachers to deliver first aid education. Explore First aid champions.

You'll get primary and secondary teaching ideas about:

what to do in a first aid emergency

basic first aid for common injuries

how children and young people can stay safe

behaving with kindness

coping skills in challenging situations

what might prevent people from stepping in to help and how to overcome barriers to action.

This exciting new resource will also cover the new RSE and Health curriculum requirements for teaching first aid in primary and secondary schools in England. First aid champions was scheduled to go live this summer. Due to the coronavirus outbreak we've decided to make First aid champions available earlier, so children and young people can learn vital first aid skills at home.

In the news (Newsthink)

In the news (Newsthink)

In the news (Newsthink)

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British Red Cross teaching resources: first aid teaching

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Our free teaching resources are designed to give children and young people the skills, confidence and willingness to act when someone is in need of first aid. They also make first aid simple to teach and fun to learn. First aid champions is a brand new online teaching platform for learners ages 5-18.

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What to do when someone has a seizure where they shake or jerk (a convulsive seizure).

Download the Epilepsy Society app which includes seizure diary and first aid information. Available for iPhone and Android.

What to do when someone has a seizure depends on what type of seizure they are having.

Questions to help you find out about someone's epilepsy in case you need to help them during a seizure.

When to call for an ambulance when someone is having an epileptic seizure.

As part of managing seizures, and to understand more about someone's epilepsy, it can be useful to note down some details about what happens during someone's seizures.

Instructions on how to put someone into the recovery positions following a tonic clonic seizure.

A step-by-step video to putting someone in the recovery position.

If you witness someone loosening or cracking a tooth during an epileptic seizure, your first aid may mean that their tooth can be saved.

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What to do when someone has a seizure where they shake or jerk (a convulsive seizure). Download the Epilepsy Society app which includes seizure diary and first aid information. Available for iPhone and Android. What to do when someone has a seizure depends on what type of seizure they are having.

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First Aid Tips, Information & Advice - St John Ambulance

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Get first aid tips and advice from St John Ambulance about paediatric first aid, the role of a first aider, and first aid techniques, such as the primary survey.

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Child Safety Advice, Information and Resources

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For 100 years, RoSPA has been quietly working behind the scenes to change both legislation and attitudes surrounding accidents. From the compulsory wearing of seatbelts and the campaign to stop drink driving, to the Cycling Proficiency Test and to the more recent ban on handheld mobile phones behind the wheel, RoSPA has been instrumental in shaping our society for the better, preventing millions of deaths and serious injuries along the way.

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Free mobile first aid app - St John Ambulance

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Get life saving advice at your fingertips with the free first aid app from St John Ambulance, the nation's leading first aid charity.

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If someone is having a severe allergic reaction, it is vital that they receive an adrenaline injection. If they have their own adrenaline auto-injector (AAI), this must be given as soon as a severe reaction is suspected to be occurring and an ambulance must be called. The adrenaline should be administered first and an ambulance should be called immediately afterwards.
Practical points:

Try to ensure that a person suffering an allergic reaction remains as still as possible

Preferably they should be lying down. If they are feeling weak, dizzy or appear pale and sweating their legs should be raised

When dialling 999, say that the person is suffering from anaphylaxis (anna-fill-axis)

Give clear and precise directions to the emergency operator, including the postcode of your location

If adrenaline has been given, make a note of the time this was administered. A second dose can be given after five minutes if there has been no improvement

If the person's condition deteriorates after making the initial 999 call, a second call to the emergency services should be made to ensure an ambulance has been dispatched

If you are in a restaurant or other building, send someone outside to direct the ambulance crew when they arrive

Try to ascertain what food or substance may have caused the reaction and ensure the ambulance crew knows this

What3words
To find a location more easily in an emergency, many UK emergency services are encouraging people to use the what3words app.

You can find out about it here
Links
To find out more about anaphylaxis and its treatment (adrenaline), click on the links below;
The Anaphylaxis Factsheet The Adrenaline Factsheet Think ABC
Our film Think ABC explains how you can spot an anaphylaxis reaction and how to safely treat it.

You can find it on YouTube here.

This film was extensively reviewed and approved by Sue Clarke, Nurse Adviser to the Anaphylaxis Campaign.
Reviewer
The text on this page and the content of our film entitled "Think ABC" has been reviewed and approved by Sue Clarke, Nurse Adviser to the Anaphylaxis Campaign.
All the information we produce is evidence based or follows expert opinion and is checked by our expert clinical and research reviewers. If you wish to know the sources we used in producing any of our information products, please let us know, and we will gladly supply details.

Published date: November 2018
Review Date: November 2021

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If someone is having a severe allergic reaction, it is vital that they receive an adrenaline injection. If they have their own adrenaline auto-injector (AAI), this must be given as soon as a severe reaction is suspected to be occurring and an ambulance must be called.

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Understanding online safety is tricky for all ages - we have advice and guides to help you learn about staying safe online as a family.

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Symptoms of Meningitis | Meningitis Research Foundation

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Meningitis and Septicaemia can kill in hours, so it's very important you know the symptoms and can spot them early. Find out more about the symptoms here.

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Infectious childhood illnesses affecting children under 5, including chickenpox, mumps, measles, rubella (german measles) and whooping cough.

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Meningitis signs and symptoms video | Meningitis Now

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What are the main signs and symptoms? And what should you do if you suspect someone has meningitis? Our signs and symptoms videos illustrate exactly what you should be looking out for. Symptoms may appear in any order and some may not appear at all, so it is important to know all signs.

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The safest cot is a clear cot

The safest cot for a baby is a clear cot. That means removing anything that isn't essential. Babies need just two items in their cot:

It's important to remove anything that isn't essential because items such as toys, blankets and bumpers could cover their face and obstruct their breathing.

When preparing your baby's sleep space, remember:

No pillows or duvets

No cot bumpers

No soft toys or comforters

No weighted or bulky bedding

No products designed to keep your baby in one sleeping position, such as wedges or straps

No pods or nests, rolled up towels or anything soft placed on top of the mattress.

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Safer sleep overview - The Lullaby Trust

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An easy guide to practicing safer sleep for your baby and reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, or cot death).

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Protect yourself and your family from Carbon Monoxide

Imagine an invisible, odourless gas invading homes, workplaces and vehicles. There's no warning. No sirens. There are very few clues that the attack is even under way. Survivors can be left with lifelong effects.

This is not the latest TV drama like Bodyguard or Spooks, or the new James Bond film. It's a very real threat. Daniel Craig or Richard Madden can't protect us - but there is a lot we can do to protect ourselves.

We're not talking about a master villain's nerve agent manufactured in a hidden laboratory. Carbon monoxide is found in the air all around us - yet surprisingly few people are aware of the dangers of this gas.

Even a small amount of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure can damage our brains. Cases making the headlines usually feature victims of a sudden, severe exposure - perhaps overcome while watching late-night TV in front of a faulty gas fire. These situations can often be fatal. But for those who survive, there can be long-term consequences, many of which are difficult for even medical professionals to diagnose.

How does carbon monoxide (CO) affect us?

When inhaled, CO binds to our red blood cells, which usually carry oxygen around our bodies. CO molecules take the place of oxygen in the bloodstream, depriving vital organs and tissues of oxygen. CO molecules are also toxic to our organs, including the brain.

People rescued from high levels of exposure are given oxygen to 'push' CO from the bloodstream. Although some people make a full recovery, it can also result in life-changing brain injury.

People who apparently recover immediately may develop Delayed Neurological Syndrome (DNS), between 2-40 days later. Symptoms include memory loss, Parkinson's-like movements, trouble walking, urinary incontinence, difficulties with communications, depressed mood, dementia-type symptoms and, in extreme cases, psychosis.

But many people do not realise that longer-term, lower level exposure to CO can also lead to acquired brain injury and other health issues. An unserviced boiler in your home or a leaky exhaust on your car could be placing you and your family at risk.

Julie Connolly is a Senior Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, researching the experiences of people affected in this way. She said: "People's stories can be heart-breaking. They have developed brain injuries which will be with them for the rest of their lives. But also they have, in some cases, lived with symptoms for some years, been disbelieved or treated for mental health issues, when the cause of their symptoms was carbon monoxide exposure."

Julie explained: "One woman had to change her career entirely. She could no longer cope with the demands of running her own business. Another young woman struggles with hyperacuity, meaning that she has become extremely sensitive to all loud noises, making it hard to cope on nights out with friends or even when on a street with lots of traffic.

"Some people don't have the same emotional behaviours, and memories are altered. One man I spoke to completely forgot that his wife of 30 years had never liked drinking tea, which she found incredibly upsetting. It sounds like such a small thing but it really emphasised how much they had both been affected."

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

When fuels such as gas, oil, coal and wood do not burn fully, carbon monoxide is produced. CO is an invisible, odourless, tasteless poisonous gas.

The main risks inside homes are from appliances which use these types of fuel, such as:

Boilers and central heating systems

Gas fires

Water heaters

Cookers, hobs, ovens and Aga-type appliances

Open fires and woodburners

In some cases, people have been affected by CO entering their home from a neighbouring property, perhaps through an open window or vent. CO has also been known to seep through the walls from a neighbouring property, or into flats above takeaway premises, sometimes with deadly consequences.

It is also found in fumes from barbecues, vehicle engine and cigarette smoke.

Staying safe

Be aware of the main symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure.

People don't have to have all these symptoms, and this is not an exhaustive list.

Tension-type headache - the most common symptom of mild poisoning

Dizziness

Feeling and being sick

Tiredness

Confusion, difficulty thinking or concentrating

Stomach pain

Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

Flu-like symptoms but no increased temperature

Emotional changes, such as becoming easily irritated, depressed, making impulsive/irrational decisions

Be aware of the actions to take if you think you are being affected

Turn off the source of the source of possible CO

Open windows/doors

Go outside for fresh air

Call the fire service

Seek medical assistance - explain you think you may have been affected by CO

Don't wait before having a blood test, as CO leaves the blood once you are away from the source of the gas

Reduce risk

Install an audible CO alarm in every room

Test alarms every month

Have all appliances services by a qualified professional annually

Have chimneys swept every year

In you rent your home, your landlord has responsibility to keep you safe. If you are worried about raising issues with your landlord, your local Citizens Advice, council housing team or housing charity Shelter will be able to help you.

Useful contacts

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Even a small amount of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure can damage our brains. Cases making the headlines usually feature victims of a sudden, severe exposure - perhaps overcome while watching late-night TV in front of a faulty gas fire. These situations can often be fatal.

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Any or all of the following symptoms may be present during an anaphylaxis reaction:

Swelling of tongue and/or throat

Difficulty in swallowing or speaking

Vocal changes (hoarse voice)

Wheeze or persistent cough or severe asthma

Difficult or noisy breathing

Stomach cramps or vomiting after an insect sting

Dizziness / collapse / loss of consciousness (due to a drop in blood pressure) ( floppiness in babies)

Treatment for Anaphylaxis

You can find in-depth help on our Anaphylaxis Factsheet but here are the steps you need to follow if someone is having an anaphylactic shock:

1. The first line treatment for severe symptoms is adrenaline (epinephrine) given by an injection into the upper outer muscle of the thigh. Adrenaline given in this way is a safe treatment and you should not hesitate to use it if required. It starts to work within minutes, reducing swelling, relieving wheeze and improving blood pressure.
Adrenaline is life saving and must be used promptly in anaphylaxis. Delaying the giving of adrenaline can result in deterioration and death. This is why using an adrenaline device is the first line treatment for anaphylaxis. IF IN DOUBT, GIVE ADRENALINE FIRST and then call for help."

2. Do not wait to see if the symptoms clear up - call an ambulance immediately. All patients receiving emergency adrenaline should be transported to hospital for further care. Dial 999 and inform the controller that the patient is suffering from anaphylaxis.

3. Adrenaline is a short-acting drug and the effects will wear off quite quickly. If there is no response to the initial injection, current recommendations are to give a further adrenaline dose after 5 minutes.

If you are suffering from an anaphylactic shock, you should use your adrenaline pen immediately. While waiting for the ambulance, it is better if you lie down as this helps to maintain your blood pressure and avoids injury if you faint. You may be more comfortable with your shoulders raised a bit if you feel wheezy or short of breath.
The following demonstration videos and resources have been provided by Adrenaline Auto-Injector brands Jext and EpiPen.

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Anaphylaxis | Would you know what to do? | Allergy UK

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Any or all of the following symptoms may be present during an anaphylaxis reaction: Swelling of tongue and/or throat Difficulty in swallowing or speaking Vocal changes (hoarse voice) Wheeze or persistent cough or severe asthma Difficult or noisy breathing Stomach cramps or vomiting after an insect sting Dizziness / collapse

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Get first aid information from St John Ambulance about poisoning, including food, drug, and alcohol poisoning. Find out about symptoms and treatments.

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In children under 5, a fever is considered to be a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above.
Fever is very common in young children. More than 60% of parents with children aged between 6 months and 5 years say their child has had one.

It's usually caused by a minor viral infection, such as a cough or cold, and can normally be treated at home.

A high temperature can be quite worrying for parents and carers, but most children recover with no problems after a few days.

How to tell if your child has a fever

Your child may have a fever if they:

feel hotter than usual when you touch their forehead, back or stomach

feel sweaty or clammy

have flushed cheeks

If you suspect your child has a fever, you should check their temperature with a thermometer.

Safe, cheap digital thermometers are available from your local pharmacy, supermarket or online retailers.

Forehead thermometers shouldn't be used as they can give inaccurate results.

Read more about how to take your child's temperature.

How to care for your feverish child

To help keep your child comfortable, you should:

encourage them to drink plenty of fluids - offer regular breastfeeds if you're breastfeeding

only offer them food if they seem to want it

look out for signs of dehydration - these can include a dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes and, in babies, fewer wet nappies

check on your child from time to time during the night

keep them away from childcare, nursery or school - let the carer, nursery or school know your child is unwell

there's no need to undress your child or sponge them down with tepid water - research shows neither actually helps reduce fever

avoid bundling them up in too many clothes or bedclothes

Get more tips on looking after a sick child.

Medicines and fever

If your child seems distressed, consider giving them children's paracetamol or ibuprofen. These shouldn't be given together.

But if you give your child one medicine and it doesn't seem to be helping, it's OK to try the other one before the next dose is due.

Paracetamol can be given to babies from 2 months old. Ibuprofen is suitable for babies aged 3 months or over who weigh more than 5kg (11lbs).

Always check the instructions on the bottle or packet carefully, and never exceed the recommended dose.

Never give aspirin to children under the age of 16.

If your child suffers from asthma, seek advice from your GP or pharmacist before giving them ibuprofen.

Learn more about medicines for babies and toddlers.

What to do if you're worried

If you're worried about your baby or child, call your GP practice.

If the practice is closed, call NHS 111 or contact your GP out-of-hours service - there will be a phone number on your GP's answerphone.

The doctor or nurse you speak to will ask you questions about your child's symptoms. Your answers will help them decide whether your child can be cared for at home or whether they should be seen at the GP practice, out-of-hours centre, or hospital.

Always get medical advice if:

your baby is under 3 months old and they have a temperature of 38C (101F) or higher

your baby is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C (102F) or higher

you think your child may be dehydrated

your child develops a red rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it

your child has a fit (convulsion)

they're crying constantly and you can't console or distract them, or the cry doesn't sound like their normal cry

has a high-pitched or unusual sound when crying

the fever lasts for more than 5 days

your child's health is getting worse

you have any concerns about looking after your child at home

Read more about spotting the signs of serious illness.

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Treating a fever (high temperature) in children

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In children under 5, a fever is considered to be a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above. Fever is very common in young children. More than 60% of parents with children aged between 6 months and 5 years say their child has had one.

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Every year the fire and rescue service is called to over 600,000 fires which result in over 800 deaths and over 17,000 injuries. About 50,000 (140 a day) of these are in the home and kill nearly 500 and injure over 11,000, many which could have been prevented if people had an early warning and were able to get out in time. In fact you are twice as likely to die in a house fire that has no smoke alarm than a house that does.

Buying a smoke alarm could help save your home and the lives of you and your family.

What are smoke alarms?

Smoke alarms are self-contained devices that incorporate a means of detecting a fire (smoke detector) and giving a warning (alarm), usually a very loud beeping sound. They are about the size of a hand and are normally fitted to the ceiling. They can detect fires in their early stages and give you those precious minutes to enable you and your family to leave your house in safety.

What type of smoke alarms are available?

There are mainly four types of smoke alarm currently on the market - ionisation, optical (also described as photo electronic), heat and combined.

Ionisation: These are the cheapest and cost very little to purchase. They are very sensitive to small particles of smoke produced by fast flaming fires, such as paper and wood, and will detect this type of fire before the smoke gets too thick. They are marginally less sensitive to slow burning and smouldering fires which give off larger quantities of smoke before flaming occurs. They can also be too over-sensitive near kitchens.

Optical: These are more expensive but more effective at detecting larger particles of smoke produced by slow-burning fires, such as smouldering foam-filled upholstery and overheated PVC wiring. They are marginally less sensitive to fast flaming fires. Optical alarms can be installed near (not in) kitchens, as they are less likely than ionisation alarms to go off when toast is burned.

Heat Alarms: They detect the increase in temperature from a fire and are insensitive to smoke. They can therefore be installed in kitchens. They only cover a relatively small area of a room, so potentially several heat alarms need to be installed in a large kitchen.

Combined Optical Smoke and Heat Alarms: Combinations of optical and heat alarms in one unit to reduce false alarms while increasing the speed of detection.

Combined Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Alarms that combine both smoke detection and CO alarm protection in one ceiling-mounted unit. This reduces costs and takes up less of your living space.

Each type looks similar and is powered either by a battery, or mains electricity (or a combination of both, with the battery being the backup for the mains power, which could be interrupted). Some are interlinked so that any smoke detected in one room can raise the alarm at all others. This interlink can be achieved at the least cost with radio-interlinked smoke alarms.

Most smoke alarms now have hush buttons, for use where false alarms can be a nuisance e.g. when cooking. The alarm lets you know it's been silenced by "chirping" or by displaying a red light - while a real fire producing lots of smoke will set it off anyway. Another helpful technology is the 'Sleep-Easy Function' which allows you to silence the alarm if a low battery beep starts in the middle of the night.

In a standard smoke alarm, the battery will need to be replaced every 12 months. You can buy alarms fitted with sealed 10 year batteries. The advantage is that you don't have to replace the battery every year.

Mains-powered alarms have to be installed in all new buildings and after a major refurb. Make sure that the chosen mains powered alarm has a battery back-up. These can be alkaline batteries (need annual changing) or the alarm can be supplied with re-chargeable lithium batteries, which will last the lifetime of the alarm. Mains alarms need to be installed by a qualified electrician.

Some people find their alarms are frequently set off when they are cooking or when the toast burns. An alarm installed inside the kitchen must be a heat alarm rather than a smoke alarm. Just outside a kitchen (eg in hall or dining room) an optical smoke alarm or, even better, a combined smoke and heat alarm should be installed, as these are less sensitive to false alarm.

Alarms can also come with an escape light. When the alarm sounds, the light comes on. The light can help you see your way out, and it is good for alerting people whose hearing is not perfect.

In addition, for people who are hard of hearing or deaf, there are smoke alarm systems for the deaf. When the alarm goes off, a pad below the pillow vibrates (if you are asleep), and a strobe light flashes - alerting you or waking you up instantly.

Which smoke alarm should I choose?

The general rule is quite easy

Kitchen and Garage: Heat Alarms
Landings: Ionisation smoke alarms or combined optical smoke and heat alarms
Bedrooms, living rooms and hallway: Optical smoke alarms or combined optical smoke and heat alarms.

We recommend that you buy your smoke alarms from Safelincs as detailed at the bottom of this page. Always buy an alarm which has been certified to the British or European Standard.

How many should I fit in my home?

The number of smoke alarms to fit in your home depends on your particular circumstances. Fires can start anywhere, so the more that are fitted, the higher the level of protection.

For maximum protection an alarm should be fitted in every room (except bathrooms) You should choose the type most suited to the risk in each room. For minimum protection the number to be fitted will depend on the type of home you live in:

If your home is on one floor, one smoke alarm, preferably of the optical type, may be enough to provide you with early warning of a fire.

If your home has more than one floor, at least one alarm should be fitted on each level. In this case a combination of optical and ionisation alarms, preferably interconnected, will give the best protection.

Do not fit an alarm in the bathroom, as steam may trigger the alarm.

Where do I fit my smoke alarms?

Smoke alarms are usually screwed onto the ceilings, although specialist sticky pads can be used, and should be fitted as close to the centre of the room as possible, but at least 30 centimetres (12 inches) away from any wall or light fitting. You should always make sure that your alarm is fitted in a place where it can be heard throughout your home - particularly when you are asleep.

If your home is on one level, you should fit the alarm in the hallway between the living and sleeping areas. If you have only one smoke alarm and two floors, put it where you can hear it when you are asleep - on the ceiling at the top of the stairs leading to the bedrooms.
If you have a TV or other large electrical appliance in your bedroom, you should fit a smoke alarm there.

Looking after your smoke alarm

Follow the manufacturer's instructions - smoke alarms need very little maintenance. A few minutes of your time during the year will ensure that your alarm is working and could help save your life and the lives of your family. You should:

Test your smoke alarm when the clocks are changed and vacuum it gently using the soft brush attachment to remove dust from the sensors

Once a year change the battery (unless it's a ten-year alarm)

After 10 years it's best to get a whole new alarm.

Do you keep forgetting to check your smoke alarms, help is at hand. Let us remind you to check them here.

Where can I buy them?

We recommend you buy your smoke alarms from a reputable company such as Safelincs who are able to cater for all your fire safety needs with their extensive range of products.

Remember:

Buying and fitting smoke alarms, and ensuring they are carefully and properly maintained, could give you those precious few extra minutes in which to make your escape safely.

Plan an escape from your home in advance and talk about it with your family. If a fire occurs you may have to get out in the dark and difficult conditions. Escaping will be a lot easier it everyone knows where to go. Make sure your routes remain free of any obstructions and that there are no loose floor coverings that could trip you.

Always check the battery regularly, replacing it when necessary, and never remove it for other purposes.

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Smoke Alarms Every year the fire and rescue service is called to over 600,000 fires which result in over 800 deaths and over 17,000 injuries.

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Meningitis signs and symptoms video | Meningitis Now

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What are the main signs and symptoms? And what should you do if you suspect someone has meningitis? Our signs and symptoms videos illustrate exactly what you should be looking out for. Symptoms may appear in any order and some may not appear at all, so it is important to know all signs.

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Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that has no smell or taste. Breathing it in can make you unwell, and it can kill if you're exposed to high levels.
Every year there are around 60 deaths from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales.

After carbon monoxide is breathed in, it enters your bloodstream and mixes with haemoglobin (the part of red blood cells that carry oxygen around your body) to form carboxyhaemoglobin.

When this happens, the blood is no longer able to carry oxygen, and this lack of oxygen causes the body's cells and tissue to fail and die.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are not always obvious, particularly during low-level exposure.

A tension-type headache is the most common symptom of mild carbon monoxide poisoning.

Other symptoms include:

The symptoms of exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can be similar to those of food poisoning and flu.

But unlike flu, carbon monoxide poisoning does not cause a high temperature.

The symptoms can gradually get worse with prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide, leading to a delay in diagnosis.

Your symptoms may be less severe when you're away from the source of the carbon monoxide.

If this is the case, you should investigate the possibility of a carbon monoxide leak and ask a suitably qualified professional to check any appliances you think may be faulty and leaking gas.

The longer you inhale the gas, the worse your symptoms will be. You may lose balance, vision and memory and, eventually, you may lose consciousness.

This can happen within 2 hours if there's a lot of carbon monoxide in the air.

Long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can also lead to neurological symptoms, such as:

difficulty thinking or concentrating

frequent emotional changes - for example, becoming easily irritated, depressed, or making impulsive or irrational decisions

Breathing in high levels of carbon monoxide gas can cause more severe symptoms.

These may include:

impaired mental state and personality changes (intoxication)

the feeling that you or the environment around you is spinning (vertigo)

loss of physical co-ordination caused by underlying damage to the brain and nervous system (ataxia)

breathlessness and a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute (tachycardia)

chest pain caused by angina or a heart attack

an uncontrollable burst of electrical activity in the brain that causes muscle spasms (seizures)

loss of consciousness - in cases where there are very high levels of carbon monoxide, death may occur within minutes

What causes carbon monoxide to leak?

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, coal and wood do not burn fully.

Burning charcoal, running cars and the smoke from cigarettes also produce carbon monoxide gas.

Gas, oil, coal and wood are sources of fuel used in many household appliances, including:

boilers

gas fires

central heating systems

water heaters

cookers

open fires

Incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated household appliances, such as cookers, heaters and central heating boilers, are the most common causes of accidental exposure to carbon monoxide.

The risk of exposure to carbon monoxide from portable devices may also be higher in caravans, boats and mobile homes.

Other possible causes of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

blocked flues and chimneys - this can stop carbon monoxide escaping, allowing it to reach dangerous levels

burning fuel in an enclosed or unventilated space - for example, running a car engine, petrol-powered generator or barbecue inside a garage, or a faulty boiler in an enclosed kitchen

faulty or blocked car exhausts - a leak or blockage in the exhaust pipe, such as after heavy snowfall, could lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide

paint fumes - some cleaning fluids and paint removers contain methylene chloride (dichloromethane); this substance is broken down by the body into carbon monoxide

smoking shisha pipes indoors - shisha pipes burn charcoal and tobacco, which can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide in enclosed or unventilated rooms

Treating carbon monoxide poisoning

Seek medical advice from your GP if you think you have been exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide.

Go to your local A&E straight away if you think you have been exposed to high levels.

Your symptoms will often indicate whether you have carbon monoxide poisoning, but a blood test will confirm the amount of carboxyhaemoglobin in your blood. A level of 30% indicates severe exposure.

People who smoke can often have higher than normal levels of carboxyhaemoglobin in their blood, which can sometimes make it difficult to interpret the results.

Mild carbon monoxide poisoning does not usually need hospital treatment, but it's still important that you seek medical advice.

Your house will also need to be checked for safety before anyone returns.

Standard oxygen therapy

Standard oxygen therapy in hospital will be needed if you have been exposed to a high level of carbon monoxide, or you have symptoms that suggest exposure.

You'll be given 100% oxygen through a tight-fitting mask (normal air contains around 21% oxygen).

Breathing in concentrated oxygen enables your body to quickly replace carboxyhaemoglobin.

Therapy will continue until your carboxyhaemoglobin levels decrease to less than 10%.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) floods the body with pure oxygen, helping it overcome the oxygen shortage caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

There's currently not enough evidence about the long-term effectiveness of HBOT for treating severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Standard oxygen therapy is usually the recommended treatment option.

HBOT may be recommended in certain situations - for example, if there's been extensive exposure to carbon monoxide and nerve damage is suspected. Its use is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Recovery

The length of time it takes to recover from carbon monoxide poisoning will depend on how much carbon monoxide you have been exposed to and how long you have been exposed to it.

Complications of carbon monoxide poisoning

Prolonged significant exposure to carbon monoxide can cause serious complications, including brain damage and heart problems.

In very severe cases, it can result in death.

Effects of severe carbon monoxide poisoning include:

breathlessness

chest pains

fits (seizures)

loss of consciousness

Around 10 to 15% of people who have severe carbon monoxide poisoning develop long-term complications.

Brain damage

Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can cause memory problems and difficulty concentrating.

It can also cause vision loss and hearing loss.

In rare cases, severe carbon monoxide poisoning can cause Parkinsonism, which is characterised by tremors, stiffness and slow movement.

Parkinsonism is not the same as Parkinson's disease, which is a degenerative neurological condition linked to ageing.

Heart disease

Coronary heart disease is another serious condition that can develop as a result of long-term carbon monoxide exposure.

Coronary heart disease is where the heart's blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances (atheroma) in the coronary arteries.

If the blood supply is restricted, it can cause angina (chest pains).

If the coronary arteries become completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack.

Harm to unborn babies

Long-term exposure to carbon monoxide gas can also damage an unborn baby.

Babies exposed to carbon monoxide during pregnancy are at risk of:

a low birth weight

perinatal death (stillbirth) and death that occurs within the first 4 weeks of birth)

behavioural problems

Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning

It's important to be aware of the dangers and identify any appliances in your house that could potentially leak carbon monoxide.

Maintaining and servicing appliances

Boilers, cookers, heating systems and appliances should be installed and regularly serviced by a reputable, registered engineer.

Do not attempt to install or service appliances yourself.

Anyone carrying out work on installations and appliances in your home must be registered with a relevant association, such as the:

Maintaining chimneys and flues

Make sure all chimneys and flues are swept regularly by a qualified sweep who's a member of the:

Engine exhaust fumes

To protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by exhaust fumes:

do not leave petrol-fuelled lawnmowers or cars running in the garage

make sure your car's exhaust is checked every year for leaks

make sure your exhaust is not blocked before turning the engine on (for example, after heavy snowfall)

Carbon monoxide alarms

Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home to alert you if there's a carbon monoxide leak.

But an alarm is not a substitute for maintaining and regularly servicing household appliances.

You can buy a carbon monoxide alarm from a DIY or hardware store.

Make sure it's approved to the latest British or European Standard (BS Kitemark or EN50291).

Other safety tips at home and in the workplace

Follow the safety tips below to help protect yourself at home and in the workplace:

Never use ovens or gas ranges to heat your home.

Never use oversized pots on your gas stove or place foil around the burners.

Make sure rooms are well ventilated and do not block air vents. If your home is double glazed or draught proofed, make sure there's still enough air circulating for any heaters that are in the room.

Do not use gas-powered equipment and tools inside your home if you can avoid it. Only use them in a well-ventilated area, and put the engine unit and exhaust outside.

Always wear a safety mask when using chemicals that contain methylene chloride.

Do not burn charcoal in an enclosed space, such as on an indoor barbecue.

Do not sleep in a room that has an unflued gas fire or paraffin heater.

Fit an extractor fan in your kitchen (if it does not already have one).

What to do if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you suspect a leak:

stop using all appliances, switch them off, and open doors and windows to ventilate the property

evacuate the property immediately - stay calm and avoid raising your heart rate

call the gas emergency number on 0800 111 999 to report the incident, or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300 363

do not go back into the property - wait for advice from the emergency services

seek immediate medical help - you may not realise you have been affected by the carbon monoxide, and going outside into fresh air will not treat any exposure by itself

Being aware of the signs

It's very important to be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and to look out for warning signs.

You should suspect carbon monoxide poisoning if:

other people in your house, flat or workplace fall ill with similar symptoms

your symptoms disappear when you go away (for example, on holiday) and return when you come back

your symptoms tend to be seasonal - for example, if you get headaches more often during the winter, when the central heating is used more frequently

your pets also become ill

Other possible clues of a carbon monoxide leak include:

black, sooty marks on the front covers of gas fires

sooty or yellow/brown stains on or around boilers, stoves or fires

smoke building up in rooms because of a faulty flue

yellow instead of blue flames coming from gas appliances

pilot lights frequently blowing out

At-risk groups

Carbon monoxide is a danger to everyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable than others.

These include:

Pets are often the first to show signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The smaller an animal or a person is, the faster they'll be affected.

Investigate the possibility of a carbon monoxide leak if your pet suddenly becomes ill or dies unexpectedly and their death is not related to old age or an existing health condition.

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Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that has no smell or taste. Breathing it in can make you unwell, and it can kill if you're exposed to high levels. Every year there are around 60 deaths from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales.

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Scientists have known for decades that paracetamol in large amounts is toxic the liver, but until now its mechanism of poisoning has eluded them.

As well as providing insights into how an excess dose of this common painkiller causes poisoning that can be difficult to treat and can prove fatal, the new findings could also open doors to the development of new drugs for liver damage.

Dr Leonard Nelson, of Edinburgh University, said: "Paracetamol is the world's preferred pain remedy. It's cheap and considered safe and effective at therapeutic dose.

However drug-induced liver damage remains an important clinical problem and a challenge for developing safer drugs.

Our findings reinforce the need for vigilance in paracetamol use and could help discover how harm caused by its adverse use might be prevented."

The study, published in Scientific Reports, looked at the impact of paracetamol on liver cells in human and mouse tissue.

Experiments showed in certain settings the drug can damage the liver by harming vital structural connections between adjacent cells in the organ.

When these cell wall connections, known as tight junctions, are disrupted the liver tissue structure is damaged, cells are unable to function properly and they may die.

This type of cell damage is known to occur in liver conditions including hepatitis, cirrhosis and cancer, but until now it was not linked to paracetamol toxicity.

The researchers now aim to develop a reliable method of using human liver cells as an alternative to animal testing.

They then will seek to examine how varying paracetamol doses and timescales affect toxicity in the liver and identify potential targets for new drugs.

Co-author Dr Pierre Bagnaninchi said: "Although liver damage caused by paracetamol toxicity has been the subject of intense study for 40 years, recent developments in biosensor technology are enabling a fuller picture of the biological mechanisms involved."

Paracetamol is an effective treatment for mild to moderate pain and fever in adults and children, when used as directed in product information.

The maximum dose within a 24-hour period must never be exceeded.

Even taking one or two more tablets than recommended can cause serious liver damage and possibly death. Paracetamol overdose is one of the leading causes of liver failure.

Adults can usually take one or two 500mg tablets every 4-6 hours, but shouldn't take more than 4g (eight 500mg tablets) in the space of 24 hours.

Children under 16 need to take a lower dose, depending on their age or weight - check the packet or leaflet, or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

For very young children, paracetamol liquid is given using a measuring spoon or an oral syringe.

Serious paracetamol overdoses occur twice as often in Britain than the rest of Europe.

Paracetamol-linked liver failures, so severe that the patient needs a transplant, happen in the UK eight times more than in Holland, twice as often than in France, and 66 times more than in Italy.

Last year a study of seven countries commissioned by the European Medicines Agency found only Ireland came out worse than Britain.

Paracetamol overdoses represent 20 per cent of liver transplants across Europe, but rise to 52 per cent in Ireland and 28 per cent in the UK, dropping to 1 per cent in Italy

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Researchers shed new light on how paracetamol causes liver damage

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Scientists have known for decades that paracetamol in large amounts is toxic the liver, but until now its mechanism of poisoning has eluded them. As well as providing insights into how an excess dose of this common painkiller causes poisoning that can be difficult to treat and can prove fatal, the new findings could also open doors to the development of new drugs for liver damage.

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Your baby could come into contact with poisonous substances when they're inside or outside the house. Swallowed poisons include drugs, plants, fungi, berries, and household items such as washing tabs.

If you think your baby may have swallowed something poisonous, the signs may include:

* Finding medicines, empty packaging or household products near to your baby

* They may start vomiting

* They may draw up their knees indicating stomach pains

* In severe cases they may have seizures or become unresponsive.

Read the advice below to find out what to do if your baby has swallowed something poisonous.

Watch our video - what to do if your baby has swallowed something poisonous

What to do - swallowed poisons

1. Try to find out what your baby has swallowed, how much of it and when they swallowed it. Look for clues - like plants or containers near where they have been playing.

2. Call 999/112 for emergency help and give them as much information you can.

3. While you wait check that your baby is breathing normally, and if they respond to you.

4. If they do not respond open their airway, check for breathing and see if they need CPR.

5. Don't try to make them be sick, but if your baby is sick try to collect some of their vomit to give to the healthcare professionals - they may be able to identify the poison with this.

6. If what they have swallowed is burning their mouth or lips, give them sips of water or milk until help arrives.

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Your baby could come into contact with poisonous substances when they're inside or outside the house. Swallowed poisons include drugs, plants, fungi, berries, and household items such as washing tabs.

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Suspected poisoning is one of the most common reasons for young children to be taken to A&E.

Did you know...?

Child-resistant tops and strip and blister packs for tablets help to slow children down but they are not childproof. Some 3-4 year olds can open them in seconds!

Swallowing medicines, like everyday painkillers that you might keep in your handbag or bedside cabinet, is the most common way for children to be poisoned.

The detergent capsules and concentrated liquids under the kitchen sink can harm children too - they can cause accidental poisoning but also squirt into the eyes and cause damage. The capsules come in boxes that aren't child-resistant.

Safety reminders - how to stop children from being poisoned

First steps
At around 6 months babies start to put things in their mouths, which means they are at risk of swallowing something harmful. You can stop them from getting hold of poisonous things.
The best place to keep medicines is locked away or up high where your baby can't come across them. Fit safety catches on any low cupboard doors and drawers and make sure bottle tops and lids are on properly.

Don't forget the painkillers in your handbag on the floor or the ones on the bedside table.

Before your baby starts to crawl and move around, move the cleaning products from around the toilet or under the kitchen sink into a high cupboard out of sight.

Look out for products that contain a bittering agent like Bitrex. It tastes so horrible that it means that children are much more likely to spit the dangerous chemical out.

Remember, the newer liquid detergent capsules can be dangerous too - if children squeeze or bite them the liquid can squirt out. Keep them stored safely away.

Toddlers
Toddlers love to explore and will copy what you do. This means they are more at risk from poisoning than any other age group. Here's how to make sure your toddler stays safe from poisoning.
Keeping your medicines and cleaning things locked up or out of reach and sight is the safest way to protect your toddler. Ideally put them in a high lockable cupboard. It's best to keep them in a room which people use a lot. That means if your child has climbed up on a chair or worktop and is exploring in cupboards they are more likely to be seen by an adult or brother or sister.

'Child resistant' caps are not 'child-proof'. Some 3-4 year olds can open them in seconds, so make sure they're locked away too.

Toddlers like to copy what you do. Try to take your medicine when your toddler isn't watching.

Avoid pretending your child's medicine is a sweet, even if it's hard to get them to take it. It can be confusing for your toddler.

When you're visiting friends or relatives, take a few moments to look out for medicines or cleaning products lying around, like in Granny's bedside table, so you're not taken by surprise.

Even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful to small children, so clear up any glasses with alcohol dregs left in them.

Remember to be careful with aromatherapy oils, perfumes and cigarettes too as they can all be harmful to small children.

Young children
Children between 3 to 5 may know something about what they can safely eat, but they are still at risk from accidental poisoning. They are much more likely to be able to open child-resistant tops too.
Your child may easily be confused by colourful medicines that look like sweets. So keep them locked safely away and in the original bottles.

Do the same with cleaning products, DIY or garden chemicals, whether they are kept in the house or the garden shed.

Plants in the garden can be confusing too. Teach your child not to eat anything they pick outside. Poisonous berries can easily look like the ones they have in their pudding!

Carbon Monoxide
You can't see, smell or taste it but if but if carbon monoxide creeps out from flame burning appliances it can kill children in seconds.
Make sure that you have an audible carbon monoxide alarm fitted in your home - ideally one in every room with a fuel-burning appliance.

If you buy one of the Fireangel carbon monoxide alarms below, for each sale £2 will be donated to the Child Accident Prevention Trust, to help our charity support families across the UK, and keep their children safe.

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Button batteries are the small, round batteries you find in a growing number of toys and everyday objects like remote controls and car key fobs. They can be extremely dangerous for children if swallowed. What should you do in an emergency? Read more

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Child-resistant tops and strip and blister packs for tablets help to slow children down but they are not childproof. Some 3-4 year olds can open them in seconds! Swallowing medicines, like everyday painkillers that you might keep in your handbag or bedside cabinet, is the most common way for children to be poisoned.

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Poisoning is when a person is exposed to a substance that can damage their health or endanger their life.
In 2013-14, almost 150,000 people were admitted to hospital with poisoning in England.

Most cases of poisoning happen at home, and children under 5 have the highest risk of accidental poisoning.

In around 1 in 4 reported cases, the person intentionally poisoned themselves as a deliberate act of self-harm.

Signs and symptoms of poisoning

The symptoms of poisoning will depend on the type of poison and the amount taken in, but general things to look out for include:

vomiting

stomach pains

confusion

drowsiness and fainting fits

If a child suddenly develops these symptoms, they may have been poisoned, particularly if they're drowsy and confused.

What to do

If you suspect that someone has taken an overdose or has been poisoned, don't try to treat them yourself. Get medical help immediately.

If they don't appear to be seriously ill, call NHS 111 for advice.

If they're showing signs of being seriously ill, such as vomiting, loss of consciousness, drowsiness or seizures (fits), call 999 to request an ambulance or take the person to your local A&E department.

In serious cases, it may be necessary for the person to stay in hospital for treatment. Most people admitted to hospital because of poisoning will survive.

Read more about what to do if you think someone has been poisoned.

Types of poisons

Poisons can be swallowed, absorbed through the skin, injected, inhaled or splashed into the eyes.

A medication overdose is the most common form of poisoning in the UK. This can include both over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol, and prescription medications, such as antidepressants.

Other potential poisons include:

household products, such as bleach

cosmetic items, such as nail polish

some types of plants and fungi

certain types of household chemicals and pesticides

carbon monoxide

poorly prepared or cooked food, and food that's gone mouldy or been contaminated with bacteria from raw meat (food poisoning)

alcohol, if an excessive amount is consumed over a short period of time (alcohol poisoning)

recreational drugs or substances

medicines prescribed for pets

Snakes and insects, such as wasps and bees, aren't poisonous, but their bites or stings can contain venom (toxin).

Read more about the causes of poisoning.

Preventing poisoning

There are several things you can do to reduce your or your child's risk of poisoning.

These include carefully reading the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication and ensuring that any poisonous substances are locked away out of the sight and reach of your children.

Read more about preventing poisoning.

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Poisoning is when a person is exposed to a substance that can damage their health or endanger their life. In 2013-14, almost 150,000 people were admitted to hospital with poisoning in England. Most cases of poisoning happen at home, and children under 5 have the highest risk of accidental poisoning.

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Teenage Pregnancy Liaison Midwife Mitch Denny is available to give Specialist support and advice to young parents.

You can text Mitch for advice in pregnancy Mon to Fri 8:00am to 8:00pm, 07876 357443

Antenatal Support Groups

You are welcome to come along to the Bump and Me antenatal group in Brighton
Bump and Me
Mondays: 12:30pm to 2:30pm

Tarner Children's Centre

Ivory Place

Brighton

Please text Mitch on 07876 357443 to find out when to come

You get light refreshments on the day.

Topics include: labour, newborn feeding and baby first aid. It's a very friendly group and you can just turn up on your own or with your partner, a friend or your mum. This group is available to anyone under the age of 20.

Local Organisations
Targeted Youth Support (TYS) team
Lewes district. TYS can offer young parents support and advice.

Tel: 01273 335130 (11.30am and 2:00pm Monday to Friday)
Housing Advice
Lewes Council offices, 4 Fisher St, Tuesday's 10:00am to 12:30pm.

Or call the advice line on: 01273 484001 (Monday to Friday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm)

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We are here to support you if you need us! Our teenage pregnancy midwife is Mitch Denny. She offers extra support for young women and their partners who are under 20 who live in Brighton. Young parents can ring or text Mitch for advice. She is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm.

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First Aid Training for Children | First Aid Champions

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Check out these British Red Cross resources aimed at helping primary school children improve their first aid skills, be kind and keep safe in a crisis.

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Stay Alive App - Grassroots Suicide Prevention

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Stay Alive is a suicide prevention app for the UK, packed full of resources, useful information, and tools to help you stay safe or help someone else.