As we know: confinement (linked to the Covid-19 coronavirus epidemic) is a psychological test for children as well as for adults. But the danger is not only in the head: indeed, since the start of confinement, domestic accidents have increased by around 50%.
Burns, cuts, trauma … There are currently around 560 accidents per day against 374 daily cases during the same period, in 2017. Some tips to avoid the worst:
Burn: immediately cool with water
At home, there are many causes of burns: water that is too hot (at the tap, in the shower, in the bathtub, etc.), solids that are too hot (hob, oven, stone grill, raclette machine, etc.) .), liquids that are too hot (frying oil, hot drinks, etc.).
What to do for burns ?If the burn is superficial, with a red skin without visible lesions, it is necessary to cool the area immediately with a trickle of cold water for (at least) 5 minutes. The burn is then covered with a sterile dressing.
If the burn appears severe, with blisters, the area is also cooled under cold water for (at least) 5 minutes and then covered with a sterile bandage. The firefighters are then alerted by calling 18 or 112.
Warning ! If the person burned is a child or a baby, it is essential to seek medical advice by calling the Samu (15).
How to avoid burns? Install mixers on your taps, showers and bathtubs. Check the temperature of milk and baby jars when you take them out of the bottle warmer or microwave. Do not let the pot handles protrude. Install a specific protection in front of the oven door.
Cut: assess the severity of the injury
Between scissors, kitchen knives and gardening tools, it is very easy to cut yourself at home.
What to do in the event of a cut? First reflex: assess the severity of the cut. If the two edges are close and cannot be pulled apart, if it is sharp, if it hits a healthy person, it is probably a superficial cut.
If the wound is wide open, if it is dirty and / or torn, if it affects a joint, head, hands or feet, if it affects a person who is immunocompromised (eg diabetes) or who is on anticoagulant therapy, it is ‘This is a serious cut.
If there is a superficial cut, the wound is cleaned with soap and water. The bleeding is stopped by compressing with a dry compress; no substance is put on the cut without medical advice. In the event of a serious cut, it is necessary to go to the Emergency Department within 6 hours maximum.
Warning ! If the victim of the cut has not been vaccinated against tetanus (or if they are not sure whether they have had their vaccination booster), a consultation with a doctor is necessary within 48 hours.
How to avoid cuts? Store knives, scissors, tools … out of the reach of children. Wear gloves during gardening and DIY activities. Be extremely careful in the kitchen.
Bruising: apply ice immediately
The ecchymosis (which is also called “subcutaneous hematoma”) corresponds to an effusion of blood which occurs more or less deeply under the skin. This is the famous “blue”!
What to do in case of a bruise? As soon as a “bruise” appears following a light or violent shock, an ice pack is applied to the affected area – tip: it also works with frozen peas. Be careful not to apply the ice directly to the skin: it is wrapped in a thin fabric, such as a t-shirt. In the event of significant pain, an analgesic paracetamol tablet is recommended.
Warning ! In the event of a hematoma on the head with loss of consciousness, in the event of “bruising” with fever and / or abnormal fatigue, in the event of bruises which appear in the absence of shock, in the event of “bruises” in the form of “glasses” around the eyes, in case of “bruising” at the level of the ear, thorax, testicles, eyes … It is necessary to consult in Emergency or call the Samu (15).
How to avoid bruises? Wear suitable protections in the event of a sporting activity (helmet, knee pads, etc.). Do not run in tight spaces. Do not let children play without supervision.
Electrification: always serious, especially in children
We speak of electrification when an electric current passes through the body. This frequent domestic accident (a third of the victims are children) is always serious, even if the damage caused by electricity is not necessarily visible to the naked eye.
What to do in case of electric shock ? An electric shock is always serious: it is essential to call the Samu (15) or the fire brigade (18 or 112) as soon as possible. If the victim experiences numbness, muscle pain, headaches, difficulty concentrating, difficulty breathing, abnormal heartbeats … it is necessary to act immediately.
Warning ! Never touch with bare hands a person victim of electric shock, at the risk of being a victim yourself! The best reflex: turn off the power at home using the circuit breaker.
How to prevent electrification? Use socket covers if you have children. Do not overload multiple sockets. Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
Oral poisoning: above all, do not induce vomiting
Medicines, household products, DIY / gardening products, cosmetics … Oral poisoning quickly occurs. What to remember: even in the absence of symptoms, it is necessary to seek medical advice.
What to do in case oforal poisoning ? Call the nearest poison control center and describe the offending substance very precisely – even if the affected person has no symptoms!
Behavioral disturbances, loss of consciousness, dilated pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, discharge of saliva from the mouth … are signs of seriousness.
Warning !Do not induce vomiting, as this could burn the esophagus and mouth. Milk is also a bad idea since it makes it easier for the poison to spread throughout the body. Ditto for water: some toxic products foam when they come into contact with water and can worsen the victim’s state of health.
How to prevent oral poisoning? Keep toxic products out of the reach of children, if possible in a locked cupboard. Do not transfer your toxic products into other containers.
Source: Health Insurance
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