I’m a first aider – from choking to burns, what every parent needs to know this Halloween

KEEP your kids safe as well as spooky this Halloween with these tips from Dr Lynn Thomas, medical director at St John Ambulance.

For more advice, see sja.org.uk or visit youtube.com/stjohnambulance .

Keep your kids safe as well as spooky this Halloween with these tips from Dr Lynn Thomas, medical director at St John AmbulanceCare when choking

IF your child chokes on a treat and can’t cough it out, help them to lean forward then give them five sharp back blows (hit between their shoulder blades with the heel of your hand).

If this doesn’t work, perform five abdominal thrusts.

IF your child chokes on a treat and can’t cough it out, help them to lean forward then give them five sharp back blowsFor very small children, do five back blows then five chest thrusts.

Beware of burns

CHECK any fancy dress outfit meets flammability rules .

If a costume catches fire, roll your child on the ground to put out the flames.

Check any fancy dress outfit meets flammability rulesPut minor burns under cool running water for 20 minutes minimum.

If the burn is deep or larger than their palm, or is on the face, seek medical help.

Allergy alert

IF your child has known anaphylaxis – a very severe type of allergy – ensure they have their adrenaline with them and you know how to use it.

It can be difficult to control what people are eating or drinking, especially children, when there’s much Halloween excitement.

If your child has known anaphylaxis, ensure they have their adrenaline with them and you know how to use itBump in the night

TRICK or treating in the dark?

If someone falls over, check for big cuts and broken bones .

If someone falls over, check for big cuts and broken bonesFor big cuts that are bleeding, put pressure on the wound with the cleanest thing you have available.

Clean it and ideally use a gauze pad to cover. If serious, visit A&E.

Careful carving

PUMPKIN carving can be difficult and dangerous.

Be careful using sharp knives and always supervise children.

Pumpkin carving can be difficult and dangerousIf they get cut and are bleeding, clean the wound.

Elevate the area if possible and apply pressure.

A serious cut needs medical attention at casualty.

Recovery position

IF a child is unconscious but breathing, put them in the recovery position . Stay until help arrives.

If they are unconscious and not breathing normally, start CPR.

If a child is unconscious but breathing, put them in the recovery positionCall 999 on your speaker phone – the call handler will talk you through it.

Someone may need to get a defibrillator , if one is nearby – follow the instructions to use.