Many parents are unaware of simple first aid steps which could save their child's life after an accident at home, a survey has revealed.

According to the Red Cross, in some cases parents are even administering treatment which could put their children at risk of further injury or death.

A poll of more than 2,000 adults found that 23 per cent would not know what to do if their child suffered a head injury and was knocked unconscious.

The charity said in this situation it was vital to make sure the child's airway was clear and failure to do this could result in death.

Falls are the most common accident, accounting for 43 per cent of accidental injury in the home.

The survey also asked how parents would treat a child choking on a small toy.

More than half, 53 per cent, of those with children under eight wrongly said they would put their fingers into the child's mouth to remove the toy or hang them upside down by their feet.

The Red Cross said putting fingers into the child's throat like this could cause vomiting or damage to the throat. The correct procedure would be to perform a chest thrust.

The poll also found one in five parents, 18 per cent, would treat a large burn by incorrectly applying things such as ice or margarine. The correct treatment is to place the burn under cold running water for ten minutes.

The Red Cross says ten children under the age of five are severely burnt or scalded in the home each day. It also says accidents are the most common cause of death in children over the age of one.

Joe Mulligan, a first aid specialist at the charity, said: "It is vital parents know what to do if their child has an accident. Immediate care in those first few minutes could speed up the child's recovery, reduce pain or even save their life."

The survey also revealed that while 81 per cent of those surveyed owned a first aid kit, many people would not give the appropriate care.

Mr Mulligan said: "Some people appear to be reassured by owning a first aid kit but if they are going to help someone, they must have first aid knowledge and skills as well as the equipment."

The Red Cross and St John Ambulance both have large numbers of volunteers and supporters in Sussex who are able to give parents advice on how to care for their child in an emergency.

St John Ambulance is the leading first aid training organisation in the UK and is committed to providing quality training to young people, the general public and the workforce.

Its volunteers also provide care and save lives at many events in Sussex, such as the Lewes Bonfire Night, race meetings and football matches.

St John Ambulance created the Young Lifesaver and Young Lifesaver Plus schemes to meet the needs of teachers and schools wanting to offer first aid training as part of the curriculum.

The schemes combine video-based learning with worksheets and classroom activities.

The Red Cross has published basic first aid advice for people to follow:

Keep calm and assess the casualty - are they conscious or breathing and is their airway open? If they are not breathing, call 999.

Reassure the casualty and try to persuade them to relax. Do not move them unnecessarily.

Retain normal body heat by covering the casualty and do not give them cigarettes or drink.

If the accident or injury is serious, or there is any doubt, call an ambulance.

Control severe bleeding from wounds by position and pressure. Elevate the wound and press on it, then apply a dressing if one is available.

Horsham GP Michael Edwards said: "Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit which is easy to get hold of in an emergency. Keep calm and use your common sense. The more a child sees you are frightened, the more upset they will be."

For details about St John Ambulance, go to www.sussex.sja.org.uk or call 01903 235599. For details about the Red Cross, go to www.redcross.org.uk or call 01273 227800.

The Red Cross has launched a new interactive CD Rom called Learn First Aid Fast - For Parents, available for £14.99 by visiting www.redcrossproducts.co.uk.