Keeping children safe this summer

Health providers are reminding families across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) to keep children safe and well during the summer months – and to help ensure Emergency Departments are kept free for genuine emergencies.

As temperatures rise and children enjoy school holidays and outdoor activities, it’s important for parents and carers to take simple precautions to prevent common injuries and illnesses, and to access the most appropriate NHS services when care is needed.

Top tips to keep children safe in hot weather include:

• Keep children well hydrated – encourage regular water intake throughout the day. Make sure they always have a water bottle, including at school. Remind them to drink regularly, including before and after physical activity, and keep a jug of fresh tap water in the fridge where they can reach it. If you have a baby, offer them more feeds than usual.
• Avoid the midday sun – plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are lower. Try to keep children in cool, shaded areas between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest. Don’t leave babies or young children in a parked car during hot weather, even for a few minutes.
• Wear sun protection – use high-factor sunscreen, cover up with light clothing, and wear a hat with a wide brim.
• Stay safe during sports and play – ensure children and young people wear helmets when cycling, skateboarding or scootering, that they only swim in recommended, lifeguarded locations and supervise their activities where possible.

Many childhood summer illnesses or minor injuries – including heat rash, sunburn, insect bites, or grazes – can be managed at home, by a local pharmacist, at a nearby Urgent Treatment Centre, or with advice from NHS 111 online. Minor Injury Units cannot treat illnesses, but are able to see children with cuts, eye injuries, broken bones, sprains and minor head injuries.

There’s also the Healthier Together website, which is designed to help parents and guardians of young children, and there is also an app - it has features like being able to create a secure profile for your child, as well as easily check their symptoms if they’re unwell and get advice on what to do and where to go next.

Dr Alex Lee, Clinical Director of Children’s Services at Oxford University Hospitals, said: “Summer is a time for children to enjoy the outdoors, but it also brings some added risks. We often see children coming into our Emergency Departments with conditions that could have been prevented or managed elsewhere.

“Please help us keep A&E for life-threatening emergencies and take some simple steps to keep your children safe and well. Wearing a helmet, staying hydrated, and staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day can make a big difference. If you're unsure what care your child needs, NHS 111 is a sensible place to start.”

Dr Ben Riley, Chief Medical Officer at NHS BOB Integrated Care Board, said: “Encouraging children to be active and take regular exercise is one of the most important things we can do to improve their long-term health, and the summer holiday is a great time for children to learn new activities and spend time outdoors.
“During spells of hot weather, it’s important to take extra steps to keep children safe and well when they are being active, and reduce the risk of dehydration, over-heating or sunburn. Please also check in on older or vulnerable neighbours, friends and family to make sure they’re managing in the heat, are aware of the advice to follow and know how to get help if they need it.”

Angie Fletcher, Deputy Chief Nurse at Oxford Health, said: "Summer is a time when more people, including children, are out and about enjoying the nice weather. This means that as well as having fun, there's potential for things like insect bites, falls and overheating. If you’re worried, the best thing to do is to seek advice from NHS 111. You can do this online or on the phone and you will quickly get the advice you need. In many cases you don't need to go anywhere and can treat the problem at home. But, whatever the issue, NHS 111 can direct you to the right place and the right support, without making an unnecessary journey."