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Press Release
As primary schools across the country break up for the summer holidays, Order of Malta Ireland has called for families to make sure that all young people are made first aid aware, which it said could help to save lives.
The call was made at the launch of the annual ‘Be First Aid Prepared – Accidents Happen’ campaign, which is run by leading first aid antiseptic, TCP in conjunction with Order of Malta Ireland. The campaign aims to encourage families to be prepared for accidents that may occur in and around the home and garden during the summer – statistically the time of year when most accidents will happen.
"We read all too often in the media about deaths of young people either in accidents or as a result of sudden illness during sport. The consequences for families are devastating. But young people are often present to witness these tragic events and lives can be saved if people on the scene are first aid aware," said Winnie Maye, National Director, Order of Malta Ambulance Corps.
While most parents worry about accidents occurring during school time, research* has shown that 40 per cent of accidents occur between June and September. August has the highest number of accidents with 11 per cent while 17 per cent of accidents will happen on a Saturday.
The research also shows that boys are more at risk than girls. Males aged 10-19 years experience 34 per cent of accidents, while females aged between 0-9 years experience 24 per cent. Of the total accidents that happen, the majority of accidents are falls (45 per cent) followed by being struck or hit (35 per cent).
"We know from research carried out by TCP that 50 per cent of Irish people have not participated in a first aid course. The fact that half the population hasn’t been trained in first aid is of great concern," said Maye.
In response, as part of the TCP campaign to encourage families to become more first aid aware, Order of Malta Ireland has set up a simple online first aid test and prepared a handy TCP First Aid Tip Sheet on how best to protect family members from accidents around the home. Both can be found on
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Keep a well-stocked first aid kit and know how to use it·
Attend a first aid course and refresh regularly·
Flush burns and scalds immediately with cold running water for 10 minutes·
Never remove clothing that is stuck to a burn or scald·
To control nosebleed tilt head forward and pinch nostrils·
Try not to heat bottles in the microwave. If you do, shake the bottle well afterwards and allow it to stand for at least one minute before giving it to your baby. This will allow it to reach its maximum temperature·
Supervise your child when playing in or near water·
Cut sausages fully along the length before giving them to children·
Discourage your child from running / playing while holding items in his/her mouth·
Ensure all chemicals are stored outside your child’s reach and in their correct containers fitted with childproof caps·
Keep your doctor and emergency contact numbers close to the phone
The complete TCP First Aid Tip Sheet can be downloaded from
