Can we remove splinters?

[AliceK]

I was under the impression we were not allowed to.

xxx

[Carolc]

I have before Xx

[Nicola Carlyle]

I would have thought we could. X

[charlottenash]

According to my January first aid, no we cannot.


I would. Absolutely bonkers! I bet a parent wouldn't be very happy if we called them just to remove a splinter.

[AliceK]

hmmm, I'm sure I was told on my first aid training that we couldn't. I've covered it with a plaster now and will advise parent. Not sure what to do next time, although this is the first splinter a mindee has had in 4 years of minding.

xxx

[FussyElmo]

We were told no - however bless her for the common sense approach she said if you get it easily then take it out

But no we are not supposed to because it classed as an envasive procedure

[hectors house]

I know I was picked up on having a pair of plastic tweezers in my first aid box - but mindee arrived last week and his dad said mindee had splinter in his toe but that he wouldn't let the dad get it out - I said just keep your socks on and have a nice warm bath when you get home and it will come out on its own. Later in the day he took his sock off and asked me to look - the splinter (which looked more like a prickle) was sticking right out - before he knew it, I had gently pulled it out - surely if he had just put his sock back on, it would have pushed back in again? - his dad was fine and relieved that he didn't have to wrestle with him at bath time!

[bindy]

I was never told not too on my first aid (Feb) I would if easy to do, sticking out! Splinters, only very small can course a lot of pain. There is something called common sense

[MessybutHappy]

If you put micropore tape over them, they work out easily overnight!

[Jiorjiina]

I would probably say that if it's actually hurting the child, then have a go at removing it. Putting the besplintered body part in hot (as hot as they can stand) salty water for about 10 mins generally works well here. Other than that, I'd tell the parents about it, and let them handle it.

[AliceK]

If this one had been sticking out I would have pulled it out no problem but it was one of those that was in sideways and no way was I "digging" for it.

xxxx

[sarah707]

We were told no - and that we are not allowed tweezers in the first aid kit.

[bindy]

We were told no - and that we are not allowed tweezers in the first aid kit.

My first aid kit (Boots) came with plastic tweezers. These First Aid courses are starting to sound a little like Ofsted inspectors. LOl.

[smurfette]

That's madness! I have twice taken out splinters From little ones who wouldn't let mum and dad near it.. And recently also picked some tiny stones out of a ****** knee after a fall (gravel) ., what would you do in that case then?!

[The Juggler]

i knew about the splinters (don't agree by the way) but what if it was a bee's sting? no way would I leave that in - so painful

[MessybutHappy]

i knew about the splinters (don't agree by the way) but what if it was a bee's sting? no way would I leave that in - so painful

I remember being told we could use a credit card or similar to try to slide a bee sting out? I do wonder if a screaming child woukd let me!

PS I too have several children who are brought to me by mum's to remove splinters...I have Magic cream (we all know it as sudocrem!!) that makes everything better!!

[Supernanny86]

I was told on first aid course (march) to use credit card. I'd have a go at getting it out as I know I'd probably end up doing it anyway as kids would play up for mum and dad!! Anyways, of rather get it out than have a kiddy crying about how much it hurts all day!! H & S has gone mad! Common sense should prevail!!

[Emra81]

I think I'm completely missing the point...how is using a credit card better than using tweezers?!

[MessybutHappy]

I wonder if it's because with the credit card you are simply smoothing across the skin, whereas the tweezers could be used to "dig" & "pull" something??

But then again, perhaps it is just H&S gone bonkers!

[amylouise867]

Working in a primary school for the last 8 years and being the first aid person lol - we were never allowed to.

Whether it is different being a cm I don't know but I would imagine its better not to and leave it to the parents (maybe contact them to inform them about the situation).

If you attempt to remove and the area of skin becomes worse - more irritated, sore, infected even.... I'm not sure if you would be liable more so..... Best to keep ourselves covered.