20th April 2022
Katrina Phillips, Chief Executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), talks about the dangers of button batteries, introduces new, free button battery safety resources for you to share with families, and invites you to join CAPT’s upcoming webinar to learn more.
Katrina Phillips, Chief Executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT)
If a child swallows a button battery, they can be left with internal injuries that are catastrophic and life changing. A powerful button battery can have devastating effects on a child’s body in just a couple of hours. Sadly, some injuries can be fatal.
Free resources to share
By helping new parents to stay one step ahead of their developing baby, health visitors can play a crucial role in keeping children safe from devastating button battery injuries – many parents simply don’t know the damage that button batteries can do and are shocked to discover how many everyday products in their homes are powered by them.
We have developed a collection of free button battery safety resources to help you share vital safety information with families during home visits, check-ups and in the community, including:
- A colourful display poster asking the question “Button batteries – where are yours?” to start conversations.
- A leaflet explaining the risks, sharing safety tips, and giving emergency advice to parents who think their child may have swallowed a button battery.
- A factsheet translated into 17 community languages, describing the risks and where to look for button batteries at home.
- A two-part session plan including a pictorial flashcard and workshop outline, to support you in planning sessions with families.
Resources are free to download from CAPT’s online button battery safety hub and you can order free printed copies to share with parents and carers from our online shop.
Join the conversation
At 12pm on Tuesday 26 April, CAPT will be hosting a free lunchtime webinar on the dangers of button batteries.
Join us to hear from a paediatric A&E consultant, child safety experts and a leading product safety expert as they discuss the dangers. You’ll learn why they’re dangerous, where they can be found and hear more about the impact button battery injuries can have on families. You’ll also hear from an experienced health visitor and chair of a local accident prevention group, on how to reach families who need vital safety information the most.
We know how much parents value the support you give them in adjusting to life with a new baby. Everything you share with them helps to increase their knowledge and be prepared for what their child will do next.
Please help us spread the word on button batteries to the families you work with and help keep children safe.
Katrina Phillips, Chief Executive, Child Accident Prevention Trust
- Find out more about how to keep children safe from button batteries.
- Sign up to receive the latest news and updates on child accident prevention.
- Connect with CAPT on Facebook.
