Schools are now allowed to keep spare auto injectors for allergic reactions

New legislation was passed in Westminster this week to allow schools in the UK to keep spare adrenaline auto-injectors for emergency use.  

This legislation comes into effect from 1 October 2017.

A public consultation conducted by the Department of Health this year also found overwhelming support for a change in the law to allow schools to hold spare Auto Injectors for Allergies, without a prescription, for use in emergencies.

“The rise in food allergy among young people is posing a significant risk for schools who can be faced with a life-threatening situation requiring urgent action...  Schools can now purchase the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, without a prescription. While not compulsory, we hope many schools will take advantage of this change as part of their duty of care to those children who are at risk of anaphylaxis. This is likely to increase awareness and highlight the need for staff to be trained to recognise and treat anaphylaxis in school."

(Source: www.allergyuk.org/about/latest-news/)

Are you ready for the winter?

Winter Essentials

At Home:

Even though we feel safe at home, should the bad weather hits and you need to be evacuated, it's worth getting a few essentials together:

- A list of emergency contact numbers

- A battery operated torch and some spare batteries

- A battery operated / wind up radio

- Essential medication, toiletries, and a first aid kit

- 3 days supply of bottled water, and ready to eat food that won't spoil

- Copies of important documents such as passport, birth certificate, insurance policies

- A pencil, paper, penknife and whistle

- Spare keys to your home and car

- Spare glasses or contact lenses

- If needed, baby and pet supplies

 

Going Out:

When you're out and about, if you get caught in bad weather, you may not be able to get home, so make sure you take out with you:

- Suitable clothes

- Ready to eat food and a warm drink

- Mobile phone and charger

- Any essential medication

- Spare glasses or contact lenses

- Cash and a credit card

- A list of emergency contact numbers.  Store this list of your phone as ICE contacts (In Case of Emergency)

- If needed, baby and pet supplies

 

In the Car:

If you go out in the car, you may not be able to get back home in bad weather, or you could break down, so make sure you keep in your car:

- An ice scraper and de-icer

- A snow shovel

- Map for unplanned diversions

- A blanket and warm clothes

- A battery operated torch and spare batteries

- A battery operated radio and spare batteries

- A set of jump leads

- A bit of spare carpet - if you get stuck in the snow or ice, you can put this under your wheels to act as grip

 

Driving in the snow:

The Highway code stipulates that when driving in adverse weather conditions, you must, by law, be able to see out of every glass panel in your vehicle.

It is not illegal to drive with snow on your roof, however if it falls off and impairs your vision, you could be prosecuted for "using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition", so please clear your roof before you set off.

It is also a legal requirement that all lights and number plates are clearly visible too.  So whilst clearing your lights, please take a moment to make sure they are in working order before you set off.

Also make sure your mirrors are clear and demisted - don't be tempted to drive off before your vision is 100% clear.

If you don't follow these simple rules, you could leave yourself open to a £60 fine, and 3 penalty points on your licence.

 

Before going out:

Before going out, think carefully about whether your trip is essential, or could you wait until the weather improves?. Before travelling, you should:

- Check weather reports, the local news, and travel reports

- Prepare a kit of essential items

- Tell someone where you're going, and what time you are due to return

- Think about other ways of getting to and from your destination

- Charge your mobile phone

- Make sure your workplace has a severe weather plan and a list of emergency contacts

 

In your community:

There are always others who are less fortunate and less able than yourself.  If you are able to, without putting yourself at risk:

- Check on your neighbours, family and friends, especially those who live on their own

- Clear snow or ice from the pathways of those who can't do it themselves

- Learn First Aid

- If you have care responsibilities, think about who could help care for them if you could not get to them

                                                                                          Sources: British Red Cross and the RAC 

Plug Socket Covers are not to be used

In June 2016, the Department for Health published a report on the Dangers of socket safety covers.  This states that these should not be used in health or social care premises, and also not to be used in a home.

This message is repeated by the Royal Society for the Prevention of accidents (ROSPA)

"13-amp power sockets made to BS 1363 incorporate a shutter mechanism, which prevents inappropriate access to the live connectors. RoSPA therefore does not consider it necessary to recommend the use of socket covers."

(Source: www.rospa.com/home-safety/resources/policy-statements/electricity/)

The report from the Department of Health states "socket outlets have an interlocking shutter mechanism to stop the insertion of foreign material into the socket tubes. Socket covers are not constructed to any electrical or other safety standard. The pins on the socket covers may be larger than the socket tubes which can cause damage to the socket and defeat the safety design...the insertion of socket covers, can allow foreign objects to be inserted directly onto live parts within the socket, thus presenting a high risk of electric shock".

 

The full report can be found here:

http://www.careinspectorate.com/images/documents/News/EFA_2016_002_Final.pdf

 

For further information, please see here where a full explanatory video can be viewed

http://www.childalert.co.uk/article.php?articles_id=28

Top 10 tips for getting ready for OFSTED

  1. Ask for proof of identity – When Ofsted arrive do not allow them into the building without first checking for proof of identity. This shows you have tight safeguarding procedures in place. You can even request that Ofsted wait outside until you have contacted the head office to ensure they are suppose to be visiting. This may gain you a few extra moments to compose yourself
  2. Ask the inspector to sign in – This again shows tight safeguarding and health and safety procedures.
  3. Inform practitioners – Let all practitioners know that the Ofsted inspector has arrived. This allows practitioners to be aware and to prepare themselves.
  4. Show of your best bits – If your setting has achieved something or have created something you are really proud of, then show them. Ofsted inspectors enjoy seeing your passion and ideas. Even if it is something simple, as long as it is having a positive impact they will be impressed.
  5. Stay calm – Do not panic when an Ofsted inspector arrives. They are not there to trick you or try and trip you up. They are only asking to see what you have in place to help improve outcomes for children. They will also want to see how you follow the early years framework and Ofsted framework.
  6. Be Confident – Practitioners need to be confident in their own practice and skills. They should know their key children well and will be able to easily answer any questions. All practitioners do know the answers; it is just important not to get flustered.
  7. Have policies and procedures ready – Ofsted inspectors will ask to see many policies and procedures, have these to hand in an easily accessible place so you can show your assertiveness when the policy is requested.
  8. Remind practitioners before the Ofsted inspector arrives that sometimes it is okay not to know the answer as long as you know how to find the answer out. For example they may be asked a question on how a parental complaint is dealt with. They may not know the full ins and outs of how management deal with this but pointing the Ofsted inspector in the direction of the correct complaints policy will show initiative and understanding.
  9. Always be prepared – Display best practice every day! Parents should not notice a massive change in practice around the time Ofsted are due as practice should be outstanding on a daily basis. Ensure the management structure is strong and that all practitioners know what is expected of them.
  10. Be professional and follow your own policies and procedures- Ofsted inspectors will expect to see exceptional practice and you can ensure this happens by making all practitioners and management are following the policies and procedures that are in place. After all there is no use in having a policy which is not followed.

First Aid Changes 2015

In October 2015, the UK Resuscitation Council amended the procedure for First Aid.

The amendments are:

1) - Shouting for Help - Previously, the primary assessment consisted of DRSAB. Now, the shout for help stage has been removed, making the process DRAB.  Check for Dangers, Check for Response, Open the Airway, Check for Normal Breathing.  Shouting for help should be done continuously, without interrupting helping the casualty.

2) - Checking the Airway - Before opening the airway, we used to check the mouth first and look for any foreign object.  The has now been removed, as it is important to open the airway as quick as possible to give the casualty the best chance in recovering.

3) - Calling for EMS - When calling 999/112 for an ambulance, it is recommended to place the phone onto loud speaker function, this allows the rescuer to continue helping the casualty whilst the ambulance dispatcher is assisting.

4) - Seizure like episodes should not be confused as "normal signs of life" - Seizure like episodes are quite common following a Cardiac Arrest, this should not be confused with normal recovery.  If in doubt, continue CPR.

5) - When to begin CPR - Once the first aider has checked for breathing for 10 seconds, if the breathing is not normal, commence CPR.  

Adult CPR - 30 chest compressions in the centre of the chest.  If you feel comfortable to give breaths, then give 2 breaths after every set of 30 compressions. If you are unable to or uncomfortable giving the breaths, then just continue giving chest compressions.

Child / Infant CPR - 5 initial breaths first, then 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths, and repeat at a ratio of 30:2 until help arrives.

Same number, same speed, just alter the pressure depending on casualty

Adult = 2 hands in the centre of the chest (1 on top of the other).  If casulaty is elderly, then you may use child pressure

Child = 1 or 2 hands in the centre of the chest depending on size difference between casualty and first aider

Infant = 2 fingers in the centre of the chest

 

New Website

We now have a new website which we hope you will enjoy browsing through. Should you have any comments or queries, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Very best wishes

Matt & Angela