Winter First Aid Fundamentals

Winter brings to us crisp mornings, cosy evenings, and festive celebrations, but it also brings a rise in seasonal injuries. From slippery surfaces to cold-related illness, which can catch people off guard. With a little first aid knowledge, you can be prepared to help yourself and others when the need arises.

One of the most common issues are slips and falls. Icy pavements, wet leaves, and darker evenings mean sprains, strains, and fractures happen more often. If someone falls, check for pain, swelling, or difficulty moving the injured area.

First aid for sprains, strains, or suspected fractures:

• Encourage the person to rest and avoid putting weight on the injury.

• Apply a cold compress for up to 20 minutes (wrapped in material, never directly on skin).

• Support the limb in a comfortable position.

• If you suspect a fracture – deformity, severe pain, inability to move the limb – call for medical help.

Cold-related illnesses Hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature, can affect anyone exposed to cold weather for too long. Early signs include shivering, cold skin or pale, confusion, and slurred speech.

First aid for hypothermia:

• Move the person indoors or to a sheltered area.

• Remove any wet clothing.

• Warm slowly by wrapping them in warm layers, blankets, or coats (avoid rubbing the skin, hot baths or hot water bottles).

• Offer warm drinks if they’re fully alert (avoid caffeine and alcohol).

• Seek medical help, hypothermia is a medical emergency.

Winter can also brings an increase in burns, some likely caused by hot water bottles, electric blankets, heaters, open fires, or hot drinks. Burns should always be treated quickly to prevent further damage.

First aid for burns:

• Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes.

• Remove jewellery or tight clothing near the burn.

• Cover with cling film or a sterile dressing.

• Never use ice, creams, oils, or home remedies.

• Seek urgent help for deep burns, large burns, facial burns, chemical or electrical burns or burns in children or the elderly.

Finally, festive activities can bring unexpected allergic reactions, from new foods to dusty decorations or seasonal plants. Mild reactions may include hives or itching (which can usually be treated with over-the counter antihistamine) but severe reactions (anaphylaxis) can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis:

• Swelling of the tongue and throat.

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.

• Difficulty swallowing, tightness in the throat or a hoarse voice.

• Wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing.

• Feeling tired or confused.

• Feeling faint, dizzy or fainting.

First aid for severe allergic reactions:

• Use an adrenaline auto-injector immediately if available, administer in the outer thigh.

• Call 999/112 straight away.

• Help the person to sit up (or lie down and raise the legs if feeling faint).

• A second auto-injector may be needed after 5 minutes if symptoms continue but use in the opposite thigh.

Winter may come with its challenges, but with some basic first aid knowledge and quick thinking, you can feel confident and prepared. Knowing how to respond can make all the difference.

If you’d like to learn more first aid and be prepared for any season, you can join one of our upcoming first aid courses or get in touch for more information.