Guest Blog: Family Holiday Safety Tips from Mini First Aid Edinburgh & the Lothians
For many families across Edinburgh and the Lothians, summer means holidays abroad, staycations, caravan breaks and much-needed time together. Whether you're jetting off from Edinburgh Airport, heading to the Highlands or enjoying a few days in Northumberland, a
little preparation can go a long way towards a safe and happy family holiday.
At Mini First Aid Edinburgh & the Lothians, we teach local parents, grandparents and carers practical first aid skills to help them feel more confident in an emergency. Here are some simple ways to keep your family safe and make memories for all the right reasons.
Safety in Numbers
A first aid emergency is hard enough in familiar territory, but throw in a foreign language, lack of local knowledge and holiday distractions and your ability to calmly address a situation can be severely compromised. The outcome of any emergency is always better when medical help arrives quickly, so a little preparation is well worth it.
Know your numbers:
In Europe, call 112
In the USA, call 911
Research your destination
It sounds boring, but you'll never regret spending a few minutes locating:
The nearest hospital
Medical centre
Pharmacy
Your hotel rep or accommodation host can help with this.
Use Google Translate
Learning a few phrases can make all the difference. One especially useful phrase is:
"My child is not behaving in a way that is normal for them."
Parents know when something isn't right, and being able to communicate this can be
invaluable.
Check Your Accommodation
Whether you're staying in a villa in Spain or a cottage in East Lothian, spend a few minutes
looking around from your child's perspective.
Remove hazards
Move:
Cleaning products
Laundry capsules
Choking hazards
Electric heaters
Houseplants
out of reach.
Check for button batteries
Inspect toys and remote controls and make sure battery compartments are secure. These shiny discs can cause devastating internal injuries if swallowed.
Think about outdoor spaces
Is the garden secure?
Are there ponds or water features?
Are there trip hazards?
Will certain areas require close supervision?
Balcony safety
Make sure children know not to play on balconies and keep doors and windows locked when necessary.
Keeping Children Safe in the Sun
When it comes to sunscreen, it's not simply a case of putting any cream on and hoping for the best.
Choose the right protection
Use at least SPF30.
Make sure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure.
Reapply regularly
Every two hours.
Immediately after swimming, even if the product is labelled water resistant.
After sweating.
Use enough
Too little sunscreen means less protection. This is one time when more really is better.
Check expiry dates
Most sunscreens are only effective for around 12 months after opening. Otherwise, you're
simply rubbing expensive moisturiser onto your child!
Staying Safe Around Pools and Open Water
Did you know that one of the most common times for children to have a drowning accident is during the first hour of a holiday, when parents are unpacking and distracted?
You are your family's lifeguard
Lifeguard standards vary around the world, so always supervise children and keep young
children within arm's reach.
Avoid inflatables in open water
Lilos and inflatable dinghies can quickly be blown out to sea. Save them for swimming pools and sheltered areas.
Bright swimwear saves time
If a child gets into difficulty, bright colours are easier to spot.
Neon orange, yellow and pink are much more visible than pale blue or white in both pools
and the sea.
Pack a First Aid Kit
Whether you're heading abroad or staying closer to home, a small first aid kit provides peace of mind.
Useful items include:
Plasters
Sterile wipes
Dressings and bandages
Digital thermometer
Children's pain relief
Antihistamines (where appropriate)
Tweezers
Scissors
Sunburn relief
Insect bite cream
Confidence is the Best Thing You Can Pack
Accidents don't wait for convenient moments. Knowing a few simple first aid skills can help you stay calm and act quickly if your child needs you.
At Mini First Aid Edinburgh & the Lothians, we provide award-winning baby and child first aid classes for parents, grandparents, carers and businesses across Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian.
Our relaxed, practical classes are designed to give you the confidence to know what to do in an emergency.
To book a class, visit:
Heading away soon?
Our award-winning first aid kits are perfect for holidays, days out and family adventures. You can support your local Mini First Aid Edinburgh & the Lothians business by visiting:
Have a wonderful summer and safe travels!
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