With a change in season there comes a need to change our attitude to the environment around us. First Aid For You, a leading first aid education company, is encouraging parents and carers to learn some easy tips so little ones will be safe around the home this winter.

In a recent survey, it has been revealed that 26% of young children aged 0-4 years incurred burn, scald or fire related injuries and 83% of these injuries occurred before their third birthday*.

The highest cause of accident was from contact with hot drinks, foods, fats and cooking oils.

“Winter presents so many hazards around the home from hot cooktops, fireplaces, bar and oil heaters and electric blankets to scalding hot bathtub taps and spouts. It’s vital that parents learn basic First Aid so they can be prepared – should the worst case scenario happen,” says Director of First Aid For You, Mary Dawes.

To help keep children safe from burns and scalds this winter, First Aid For You (www.firstaidforyou.com.au) offers these tips:

• Place a cold, damp face washer or dishcloth over hot taps and spouts immediately after use.
• Keep hot drinks away from the edge of kitchen counter or tables – it only takes a slight nudge for a scalding tea or coffee to fall
• Keep handles of pots and pans away from edge of cooktop – face them away from curious little hands
• Educate children about the difference between hot and cold with picture books or DVDs
• If your child does suffer a burn – don’t use ice – use cool, slow running water on burns for 20 minutes (under the shower is a good place to  start)

Parents can learn how to deal with burns through the “First Aid For You – First Aid for Families Course” which also includes; blood loss, child and baby resuscitation, choking management, allergic reaction and asthma management and much more. Sessions start from $65.00 per person and run for approximately 2 hours.

Each First Aid For You course is individually tailored to the audience and an emphasis is placed on hosting sessions for smaller groups – allowing for more interaction between the instructor and attendees. To enhance the environment and put everyone at ease, sessions can be held around morning or afternoon tea or even an early evening session at a location that is convenient for all attendees.

“By learning some first aid basics at the First Aid For You Courses and applying a few simple measures around the home, everyone will be able to enjoy the cooler weather safely and happily!” adds Mary.

*Institute for Health and Welfare Survey 2005-2006 http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=6442468389,

Should an accident occur in your home seek professional medical advice immediately.