Goldent moment

You or I could be called upon at any time to help in a situation which requires First Aid treatment. But success of First Aid treatment is dependent on a proper management that should be implemented within the first few minutes or the moment known as 'Golden Moment' -- when casualty comes with initial presentation of signs and symptoms of accident. It could be so serious a situation when one has only a few minutes to prevent permanent disability or even death. That is why it is very important to know the ABC of First Aid and if possible artificial respiration and CPR. Although I hope you may never require emergency hospital treatment; but it is also important to know that under which situation you need to go to the nearest clinic or hospital. However, in most cases the injury or illness will be minor and common sense and basic medical care will be all that are required.

By knowing basic First Aid management we can make our homes safer and make a differenc.

Most of us are aware that kitchen and bathroom are the home's most dangerous places. And children are particularly at risk in these places. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Don't forget to check the temperature of the hot water before your child is put under the shower. And never ever leave a child alone in a bath -- doesn't matter if some one knocks at your door or telephone starts ringing up. Try to teach your kids nicely what to touch and what not to touch. It is better to keep your first aid box near to your kitchen.

Always give importance to electric appliances and power points, so that they are out of children's reach. Be aware of hot drinks either in a cup or tea pot; especially never pass these over a child's head. All detergents or cleaning products should be kept safely like knives and forks. Also don't keep these chemical detergents near the sink. And please do not leave a hot iron in an unsafe place to cool down. Moreover, do not allow your small kids to play with shopping bags because suffocation takes place quickly and silently. And last but not least, everyone should take special care of their children when they start cooking with oil. They should be encouraged to stay out of the burner. But do that properly. Also wipe up the oil or food that has spitted on the floor immediately.

Never leave a child unattended near a pond or river; because a child can drown in just a few centimetres of water. Remember that drowning is one of the commonest causes of accidental death in children other than choking, burn and road traffic accident. And do not give any coin/peanuts to those under three years of age.