Most minor burns and scalds can be treated at home with Reliburn burns products or which ideally should be in your first aid kit. If there is a moderate risk of a burn occurring at home or in the workplace then it would be advisable to invest in a burns first aid kit along side your normal first aid kit.

To treat a minor burn or scald:

Cool the injured area immediately ideally with Reliburn gel sachet don’t use ice. Then place a Reliburn burns dressing or Burnshield Burn relief dressing over the burn. If there is clothing stuck to the skin, this should only be removed by a medical professional – ask a friend or family member to take you to your nearest hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department immediately. To find your nearest A&E department, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or visit the NHS in England website. If you are unable to find someone to take you to A&E, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Remove any rings, bracelets, watches or other jewellery from the injured area in case it starts to swell, as long as doing so will not cause any further damage to the skin. If there is jewellery stuck to the skin, or if removing the jewellery would cause further injury, ask a friend or family member to take you to your nearest A&E department immediately. To find your nearest A&E department, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or visit the NHS in England website. If you are unable to find someone to take you to A&E, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Do not burst any blisters that appear. If a blister bursts, cover it with a dry, sterile, non-adhesive dressing

There are two levels of hypothermia:

Moderate hypothermia when the body temperature falls below 35 deg C – this can almost always be reversed and can normally be treated at home.

Severe hypothermia when the body temperature falls below 30 dec C – this can often but not always be fatal and you must seek medical assistance immediately.

Treating moderate hypothermia and there symptoms Shivering with cold skin and paleness Drifting in and out of consciousness Shallow slow breathing Slow and weak pulse Irrational behavior and disorientated

In moderate cases of hypothermia, immediately remove and wet clothing and if the patient is fit and able to climb into a warm bath then this is recommended but make sure that the water is not too hot. Around 40 deg c is recommended.

After bathing, make sure the patient is dry with warm clothing and preferably in bed. Give them warm drinks and high energy foods like chocolate to help re-warm them.

• 1.Pinch the soft area of the nose pressing firmly towards the face
• 2.Tilt the head slightly forwards
• 3.Hold the nose for at least 5 minutes to allow the blood to clot and repeat until the bleeding has stopped
• 4.Apply an ice pack to nose and cheeks and sit quietly keeping head higher than the level of the heart.
• 5.Avoid blowing your nose, bending down and strenuous activity for at least 12 hours after a nosebleed.

Weak wrists are a common problem especially in sportsmen and women. Using an elastic adhesive bandage can significantly support weak wrists on a short term basis. They offer firm support and can be applied directly to the skin or over a foam underwrap and conform the body and limb contours. The bandages are easily unwound and easily cut for quick application, hence most suited for sports and occupation injuries.

• 1.Begin wrapping below the wrist, 2-3 inches up the arm, wrapping firmly but not too tight.
• 2.Work your way up towards the hand and when you reach the palm of the hand, wrap between the thumb and index finger.
• 3.Work your way back down the arm to your starting point and because these bandages are adhesive, there is not need for fasteners.

If there is any sign of infection ie; redness, swelling, pus or severe pain, see a doctor or nurse for removal.

WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE A SPLINTER.

• 1.Try and squeeze the splinter from both sides to see if you can work it out before using more invasive methods.
• 2.Clean a needle and a pair of Martins splinter forceps or tweezers.
• 3.Use the needle to open the skin just enough to grab the splinter with the tweezers.
• 4.Wash the areas again thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection.

Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries and can happen when you least expect it. It is imperative not to ignore a sprain as this can result in increased damage and pain.

• 1.Before applying any kind of bandage or strapping, assess the amount of bruising or swelling as this will help you monitor the healing progress.
• 2.If there are any cuts, thoroughly clean them before you apply any dressings.
• 3.You will need an elastic like stretch support bandage like Relicrepe as these are soft and supply providing excellent support.
• 4.Place the end of the bandage on the top of your food and apply firm pressure wrapping the bandage from the middle of the foot to the ankle. Take care not to wrap too tightly as this can cause pain and impair circulation. Make sure you also wrap your heel. Once you have wrapped your ankle, secure with safety pin.
• 5.Replace the bandage daily, cleaning any cuts and check on the healing progress.

It is a legal requirement for drivers in the UK to have car insurance, but many motorists may not know that it is also a legal requirement to carry certain items in a car when driving in some European Countries.

Many people are aware that legislation in Germany requires all motorists to carry a first aid kit to the strict German DIN standard. Few people however know that the requirement is relaxed for tourists who intend to stay in the country for less than 6 weeks, who can comply by carrying any first aid kit. Under French and Spanish law, drivers must carry a warning triangle (2 in Spain!!), spare bulbs, a first aid kit, a fluorescent jacket per person and in Greece a fire extinguisher! British motorists are not legally obliged to carry such products when in the UK, but it may be worth considering their safety benefits and potential power to help with car insurance claims.

Also worth considering is having your own syringes and needles and possible scalpels with you in certain countries where the sterility is not guaranteed. This ensures a high level of hygiene if you have to be admitted to hospital in countries with a lower level of hygiene than the UK.