With the global pandemic front and centre of everything in the medical world, the common issues that were filling up emergency rooms prior to 2020 still need to be guarded against.
The average household has danger lurking in the most innocuous of places, and Corporate Communications Officer at ER24, Russel Meiring, highlights four ways to safeguard against unnecessary and avoidable hazards.
- Falls -Slipping on wet surfaces, stumbling over toys, sliding down a staircase, taking a tumble after tripping over cables – household surfaces can become a danger territory when it comes to falls. Ensure all staircases have sturdy handrails and balustrades and keep passageways, staircases and landings clear of any toys or household clutter. Where possible, keep floor-level cords and wires taped down and ensure you use non-slip mats in the bathroom, kitchen and other tiled areas. Consider installing handrails in the bath or shower, particularly if you have older relatives living with you, and clean up any spills immediately.
- Choking – Babies and small children explore their worlds by putting things in their mouths. Choking is usually caused by food, toys, and other small objects that can easily lodge in a child?s small airway. Scour the floor regularly for small toys and other items that could be easily reached by little hands. If your child is under the age of four, cut up their hard foods into small, manageable chunks. Even if your child is no longer an infant, a baby monitor can help alert you to sounds of danger, such as choking, if they are playing in a different room.
- Cuts – Every home has plenty of dangerous tools that you use on a daily basis, such as kitchen knives, scissors, power tools and screwdrivers. In fact, anything with sharp edges can pose a risk to your and your child’s safety. Make a point of safely storing all sharp kitchen and garden tools. To make cuts even less possible, point knives and forks downward in the utensil basket of the dishwasher. Place the basket away from the front of the dishwasher as well, in case little hands start investigating.
- Accidental poisoning – Always store medicines, swimming pool chemicals and household cleaning products in cupboards and cabinets where a child cannot reach them. Don’t assume your child can’t open a container – child-resistant packaging does not mean childproof packaging. Keep cleaning products in their original bottles with the labels. If you decant them into plastic bottles or food containers, your child might be tempted to sample them. When you’re cleaning or using household chemicals, keep a close watch on the bottles or buckets if children are around. When it comes to insect or rodent repellents, ask a reputable company to lay bait safely.
“Cuts, scrapes, burns and accidental poisoning are all common household accidents that can mean a call to ER24 or a trip to the emergency centre.
Create a safe environment for your family by using common sense. Many accidents in the home can be avoided if you are sensible, cautious and alert,” added Russel. “For real help, real fast, call ER24 on 084 124,” he concluded.
