ST JOHN Ambulance, the volunteer-lead health charity, has teamed up with the Basingstoke Gazette to bring you some simple first aid tips. This week, local volunteers Joshua Hensman, takes us through what to do when someone has earache.

An earache can develop from inflammation of the outer, middle or inner ear and is often caused by an infection, such as a cold or flu. It may also be caused by an object stuck in the ear canal or pain from a tooth abscess.

What to look for:

They may have:

n pain in the ear

n temporary hearing loss

n discharge of pus from the middle ear.

What to do:

1. If someone is suffering from an earache advise them to take the recommended dose of paracetamol tablets

2. Give them a source of heat, such as a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, that they can hold against the ear  

3. Advise the casualty to seek medical advice, particularly if you are concerned and the casualty is a child.  

For more free first aid advice go to St John Ambulance’s website

www.sja.org.uk/firstaid or download the free first aid app from your app store.

For information about volunteering with St John Ambulance in Basingstoke, please contact Joshua Hensman on email Joshua.hensman@sja.org.uk