Owning a pool comes with responsibilities. You need to make sure that you keep the area clean and safe, but sometimes no matter what you do accidents happen. In this situation you need to be prepared to deal with the issues as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

Here are all the first aid essentials that you as a pool owner should have under your belt:

CPR

Arguably the most dangerous and scary thing that can happen in a pool is that someone drowns. If this happens then you will need to know how to carry out CPR while you wait for a paramedic to arrive.

firstaid

Having proper training on delivering CPR and knowing the type of actions to use in the situation is essential. There are several places where this skill can be learned, including through St John’s Ambulance or through your local council and even a course at a leisure centre.

There are two types of CPR:

• Hands only – to be used if you have no proper training. Simply place the heel of your hand on the centre of the individual’s chest, put your other hand on top, interlocking your fingers, and press straight down by 5-6cm at regular intervals (100-120 compressions a minute) until help arrives.
• CPR with rescue breaths – this is only to be used with proper training and involves blowing air firmly into their mouth every 30 chest compressions.

Dealing with Cuts

Cuts and abrasions can occur due to slips and trips or even general horse play. As a result it is important that you know how to deal with the situation as best as possible.

poolcut

The first thing you need to do is stop the bleeding, which can be done by pressing a clean cloth firmly on the wound – if there is an object in the wound like glass or gravel then remove it before pressing down.

Wait for the bleeding to stop – this could take up to 10 minutes – and then apply antiseptic and cover with a clean dressing. If you’re worried that there is anything still in the cut or the edges of the wound aren’t touching then you should visit A&E.

Broken Bones

Broken bones can occur due to a slip or fall on the wet surface surrounding the pool or boisterous play in the pool itself. If you think that the spine or neck is injured then call for medical help straight away, do not try to move them.

If the injury is to the arm or leg then, again, call an ambulance and gently move the limb into a more comfortable position. Always make sure that the limb is supported and kept steady, a good way of doing this is to create a sling with towels or blankets.

It is advisable to give the injured person painkillers to relieve the pain, keep note of what you’ve given them and the time taken so that you can inform the paramedics when they arrive.

Phone for Help

Always seek professional medical advice when dealing with an injured individual. If you require an ambulance in an emergency then dial 999 and continue to carry out basic first aid until the paramedics arrive.