The majority of families with young children are not adequately equipped for accidents that are likely to happen around the home, according to a new survey.
Some 40 per cent of those surveyed use a first-aid kit in the home on a monthly basis but 60 per cent of people either don't know or are unsure what it should contain.
Almost half have never done a first-aid course, the survey reveals.
Some 892 households with children mainly under the age of four took part in the study, undertaken by first-aid antiseptic TCP.
The voluntary Order of Malta ambulance corps expressed concern at the survey's findings.
"It is alarming that so many young Irish families appear to be unprepared for the inevitable accidents at home, because by their nature accidents do happen," said Winnie Maye, deputy national director of the organisation. "A basic knowledge of first aid is essential and while you may not necessarily be called on to save someone's life, you will most certainly be able to lessen the pain and trauma of someone you care about," she said.
The organisation recommends that all households have a well-stocked first-aid kit and that everyone should attend a first-aid course.
"A well-stocked, readily accessible first-aid kit is vitally important for every home. The contents of the first-aid kit can vary depending on the make-up of the household and regular activities - farm versus urban dwelling for example - but all should have certain basic requirements," said Ms Maye.
Plasters, varying sizes of sterile wound dressings, antiseptic solution, burns dressing, bandages, paramedic shears, eye pads, gloves, a resuscitation barrier and safety pins are all basic first-aid kit requirements.
The results of the survey emerge at statistically the highest risk time of year - the month of August has the highest incidence of home and leisure accidents at 10.7 per cent of the yearly total.
The Order of Malta ambulance corps is advising every household in the country to check to ensure they have a well-stocked first-aid kit and also to make sure they know how to use it.
Research has shown that over half of all accidents happen in or around the home and that girls aged 0-9 years and boys aged 10-19 years are most at risk, according to the organisation.