Accidents do happen, you cannot wrap your children in cotton wool, and most will experience their fair share of cuts and grazes. Here, St John Ambulance gives useful first aid tips on some common ailments.

Cuts and scrapes

To control bleeding from small cuts:

Apply direct pressure over the wound using your fingers or palm and if possible, elevate the affected part of the body.

If the wound is dirty, clean it under cold running water, or use a alcohol-free wipe. Pat the wound dry preferably with a gauze swab.

Stick on a plaster and the wound should heal naturally in a few days. I there is a foreign object embedded in a wound do not remove it. Try to secur the object in position, cover it with a dressing and then seek medical help.

Choking

Young children are especially prone to choking. If they are aged over one year, you should:

Encourage them to cough and remove any obstruction from the mouth

If the obstruction continues, give up to five back slaps - sharp blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand

Check the mouth and remove any obvious obstruction

If the obstruction is still present give up to five abdominal thrusts - put both arms around the upper abdomen. Grab your fist with your other hand and pull sharply inwards and upwards

If the obstruction does not clear after three cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts, you should dial 999 for an ambulance

Continue until help arrives

For infants aged under one year - if the infant is distressed and unable to cry, cough, or breathe:

Lay them face down along your forearm, with their head low, and support the back and head. Give up t five back blows

If the obstruction is still present, turn the infant onto their back and give up to five chest thrusts - place two fingers on the lower half of the breast bone, (one finger breadth below the nipple line) and push inwards and upwards towards the head

If the obstruction does not clear afte three cycles of back blows and chest thrusts dial 999 for an ambulance

Continue until help arrives

Always take the child to hospital after giving chest or abdominal thrusts, in case of internal injury.

Minor burns

Hold the affected area under cold water for at least 10 minutes

Remove any jewellery and cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material to protect from infection. A cloth, clea plastic bag, or cling film all make good dressings

If the burn is larger than the palm of the casualty's hand it requires medical attention

All deep burns of any size require urgent hospital treatment

Major burns

Start cooling the burn immediately under running water for at least 10 minutes, under a shower or hose, if there are large burns Dial 999 for an ambulance

Make the casualty as comfortable as possible, lie them down

Continue to pour copious amounts of cold water over the burn for at least ten minutes or until the pain is relieved

While wearing disposable gloves, if available, remove jewellery, watch or clothing from the affected area - unless it is sticking to the skin

Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material to protect from infection. A cloth, clean plastic bag or cling film all make good dressings

For all burns, do not use lotions ointments and creams; adhesive dressings or try to break blisters

Sunburn

To treat moderate to severe sunburn move the affected person into the shade and cover them with a towel

Cool the skin by sponging the affected areas with cool water for a least 10 minutes and encourage them to take regular sips of cool water

For mild sunburn, apply aftersun or calamine lotion to help soothe the affected area

Broken bones/fractures

Give them lots of comfort and reassurance and persuade them to stay still

Do not move them unless absolutely necessary Support the injured limb with your hands to stop any movement

If there is bleeding, cover the wound with a clean pad and apply pressure around the wound to control the flow of blood

If you suspect a broken leg, put padding between the knees and ankles to keep the leg supported

If you suspect a broken arm improvise a sling to support the arm close to the body Dial 999 for an ambulance

Unconsciousness

An unconscious child who is breathing but has no other life-threatening conditions should be placed in the recovery position

Turn them onto their side

Lift their chin forward to open the airway and adjust their hand under their cheek to support their head

Check they cannot roll forwards, or backwards

Dial 999 for an ambulance

Monitor breathing and pulse continuously until help arrives

Stings

This treatments is the same for bees or wasps

If the sting is visible, brush or scrape it off. You could use the blunt edge of a knife, or a credit card, for instance.

Don't use tweezers, as you risk squeezing more poison into the wound

Apply an ice pack or cold compress for at least 10 minutes, and if possible raise the affected part

If swelling and pain persist, call your doctor

Stings to the mouth and throat can be dangerous, as the airway can become blocked. Sucking on an ice cube, ice cream or lolly, or sipping cold water will help prevent swelling.

However, if swelling starts, take the child straight to A&E or dial 999.

If your child is having an allergic reaction to insect bites and stings, you may notice impaired breathing, a rash or swelling of the face, neck, tongue mouth or lips. Dial 999 for a ambulance.

For more first aid advice, and information on St John Ambulance courses, including family first aid, visit www.sja.org.uk or call 08700 104950.