We know that confinement (linked to the Covid-19 coronavirus epidemic) is a psychological ordeal for children and adults alike. 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 compared to 374 daily cases during the same period, in 2017. Some advice 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 grill, etc.). .), liquids that are too hot (frying oil, hot drinks, etc.).
What to do for burns ?If the burn is superficial, with 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 running water for (at least) 5 minutes and then covered with a sterile dressing. The fire brigade is then alerted by calling 18 or 112.
Attention ! If the person burned is a child or a baby, it is essential to seek medical advice by calling Samu (15).
How to avoid burns? Install mixers on your taps, showers and bathtubs. Check the temperature of milk and jars when you take them out of the bottle warmer or microwave. Do not allow pan handles to protrude. Install specific protection in front of the oven door.
Cut: Assess the severity of the injury
Between scissors, kitchen knives and gardening tools, it’s very easy to cut yourself at home.
What to do in case of a cut? First reflex: assess the seriousness 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 ragged, if it affects a joint, the head, the hands or the feet, if it affects an immunocompromised person (diabetes, for example) or on anticoagulant treatment, it is is a serious cut.
In the event of a superficial cut, the wound is cleaned with soap and water. The bleeding is stopped by compressing with a dry compress; do not put any substance on the cut without medical advice. In the event of a serious cut, it is necessary to go to the emergency room within a maximum of 6 hours.
Attention ! If the person who has been cut has not been vaccinated against tetanus (or if they are not sure if they have had their vaccinations), a consultation with a doctor is necessary within 48 hours.
How to avoid cuts? Store knives, scissors, tools… out of reach of children. Wear gloves during your gardening and DIY activities. Be extremely careful in the kitchen.
Bruise: 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 area concerned – tip: it also works with frozen peas. Be careful not to apply the ice directly to the skin: wrap it in a thin fabric, like a t-shirt. In case of severe pain, an analgesic paracetamol tablet is recommended.
Attention ! In the event of a hematoma on the head with loss of consciousness, in the event of a “bruise” 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 “blue” in the ear, chest, testicles, eyes… You must consult an Emergency or call the Samu (15).
How to avoid bruises? Wear appropriate protection in the event of sporting activity (helmet, knee pads, etc.). Don’t run in tight places. Do not let children play unsupervised.
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 ? Electrification 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 aches, headaches, difficulty concentrating, difficulty breathing, abnormal heartbeats… you must act immediately.
Attention ! Never touch a victim of electric shock with bare hands, 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 outlet covers if you have children. Do not overload power strips. Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
Oral poisoning: above all, do not induce vomiting
Medicines, household products, DIY / gardening products, cosmetics… Oral poisoning can happen quickly. 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 causative substance very precisely – even if the person concerned has no symptoms!
Behavioral disorders, loss of consciousness, dilated pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, saliva flowing from the mouth… are signs of seriousness.
Attention !Do not make the person concerned vomit, at the risk of burning the esophagus and the mouth. Milk is also a bad idea since it facilitates the diffusion of poison in the body. Ditto for water: certain toxic products foam when they come into contact with water and can aggravate the state of health of the victim.
How to prevent oral poisoning? Keep toxic products out of the reach of children, if possible in a lockable cupboard. Do not decant your toxic products into other containers.
Source : Health Insurance
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