ce-down in the pond
DO carry them out, still face-down, with their head slightly lower than their chest to allow water to drain from the airway – and ask someone to call 999.
“Check ABC and, if necessary, begin CPR. Start by giving five rescue breaths, then do rapid chest compressions with one hand in the centre of the chest,” says Clive James.
If the child is breathing, remove wet clothes, put them in the recovery position and cover them with a blanket.
DON’T assume they have recovered. Always call an ambulance, as they may suffer from “secondary drowning”, which occurs when the air passages swell up.
An elderly relative is slumped in their chair
DO think “FAST” (face, arms, speech and time). Ask them to smile and raise both arms, advises James. “If their face droops, if they can only raise one arm, or if their speech is slurred or hard to understand, call 999 immediately and explain to the operator that you suspect a stroke.
DON’T wait to see if things improve. Prompt action can prevent further damage to the brain.
See redcross.org.uk/firstaidtips or download the free Red Cross first-aid app at redcross.org.uk/app. St John Ambulance also has a free app with illustrated instructions. See sja.org.uk for this and information on first-aid courses.