Family First Aid – 10 Summer Activities and the Injuries to Watch For

Summer is the season of school holidays, garden games, beach trips, and weekend adventures. While it’s a fantastic time to make memories, it’s also a season when accidents are more likely — especially for families with young children.

At Essex First Aid & Wellbeing, we’ve helped hundreds of parents and carers prepare for the unexpected. In this blog, we share the top 10 summer activities that commonly lead to injury, plus First Aid tips that could save you a stressful trip to A&E.

Why Summer Accidents Are So Common

Warmer weather means more time spent:

• Outdoors

• Around water

• In unfamiliar environments

• Doing physically active play

Add in distractions, unfamiliar equipment, and heat fatigue, and the risk of minor injuries or medical emergencies increases.

Must-Have Items in Your Family First Aid Kit

Whether you're at home or on the go, keep these handy:

• Plasters (various sizes)

• Sterile gauze pads

• Antiseptic wipes or spray

• Cold packs or gel pads

• Tweezers and scissors

• Burn gel or dressing

• Allergy medication (antihistamines, EpiPen)

• Oral rehydration sachets

• Thermometer

• CPR face shield

Tip: Make a travel-sized kit for the car, beach bag, or backpack.

Paediatric First Aid: What Every Parent Should Know

At EFAW, we offer Paediatric First Aid courses tailored to:

• New and expectant parents

• Childminders and nannies

• Babysitters and grandparents

• Primary school and nursery staff

You'll learn:

• Infant and child CPR

• Choking management

• First Aid for burns, fractures, and allergic reactions

• How to handle seizures and head injuries

• Safeguarding and emergency procedures

Enjoy Summer Safely

Accidents may happen — but they don’t have to ruin your summer. With a bit of preparation, knowledge, and First Aid confidence, your family can enjoy every adventure with peace of mind.