Incidents that disrupt households often stem from cuts, bites, scalds and burns to the skin. These are a constant hazard. Prevention is always better than cure. Every glass door or french window should be made of toughened glass; don’t leave knives or even scissors lying around or allow children to run with sharp objects.

Bites are a common emergency. Even if trivial, take the child to the doctor. An animal tooth implants a multitude of organisms from the pet’s mouth deep into the child’s tissue. Immediately clean the wound.

Scalds and burns usually follow spilt tea or coffee, and overturned kettles. Don’t hold hot drinks while playing with children. Don’t put them into the bath without testing the water. Immediately hold any burn or scald under a cold tap. A child with any but the smallest burn must go to hospital. Don’t prick blisters; cover the burn with a clean cloth that won’t shed fibres into the wound before taking the child to A&E. Don’t apply any natural or propriety cream. Take usual precautions against sunburn, replace lotion regularly. Small cuts and abrasions should be cleaned and preferably covered by petroleum gauze before applying a dressing, held in place by micro pore or adhesive plasters. If bleeding persists for more than 15 to 20 minutes despite the application of a dressing and firm pressure, or if the bleeding is in spurts, elevate the limb, maintain the pressure and take the child to hospital.

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