Accident_Types_Within_an_Early_Year_Setting

If a child has had a severe bump on the head, it can be a cause for concern, because you don’t personally know how bad it is. There are many ways that you can deal with it; Practitioners at the setting need to look out for these signs: • Has lost consciousness for more than 30 seconds • Is drowsy and does not respond to your voice • Has something stuck in their head • Has a second fit or convulsion, other than a single brief one when the injury happened Procedures to be followed in the event of the accident Contact the settings nurse - ask her to review the child and see if there is any implications. If it is a slight bump, an ice pack to reduce the swelling will help, and ease the pain. If it is a nasty bump, the parents/carer are immediately notified, in order for them to take to A+E or straight home so they can rest. This is so the child can be monitored closely for any side effects or concussion. If the child encounters a head injury before Nursery or lunchtime, it is our policy not to admit the child into Nursery. Procedures after the accident has followed The injury should be reported in the settings medical book. And all practitioners should be aware of what’s occurred, so they can eagerly watch the child, and see if they are acting different to what they normally do. Some problems that may result from a minor head injury can be hard to detect at first. In the next few weeks’ practitioners may notice: • Irritability • Mood swings • Tiredness • Concentration problems in their child • Behavioural changes Prevention for the future Be aware of the children’s different heights, child development physically at different stages, so some are taller than others. Make sure the room or the outdoor space is appropriate for them to play and they don’t trip easily. Children like to run around, they can run into things without noticing them being there, it’s vital that you cover/board up any objects that are likely for children to “run” into. Accident type Asthma is the most common chronic illnesses that affect children. Anyone that is in contact with children needs to become familiar with how to respond if a child in her care has an asthma attack. Procedures to be followed in the event of the accident You need to evaluate the children’s situation - If a child tells you that they are experiencing tightness in their chest or they are having trouble breathing, take immediate action. It is appropriate that you remain calm, and create effective communication. Contact the setting’s nurse, and tell her to precede the medical treatment. As soon as you know an asthma attack is happening, you should contact the parents immediately. Conduct a risk assessment of the child. Procedures after the accident has followed Research the different symptoms and occurrences of an asthma attack. Asthma Prevention Asthma attacks can be triggered by many things, including irritants, allergens, exercise, upper respiratory infections, and changes in the weather. The best treatments are to avoid the things that trigger the child’s attack follow the environmental controls described below, use any preventative treatments that have been prescribed for your child everyday, and get a flu shot each year. Prevention for the future • Always carry a spare inhaler in case the children have not brought it with them. • Talk to the child, and ask them to alert you when they feel symptoms of an asthma attack occurring. • Tell the child that by taking their asthma medication, they are taking responsibility for their own health. • Keep a record of the child’s medical history, doctor’s notes, and if this starts to eventuate again, you can read them, and look what to do if medical help does not come straight away. • Install a good air conditioner and air purifier in places where the child goes. Accident type A child that has sickness and diarrhoea can be very dangerous because they can cause dehydration. Dehydration occurs when you lose too much fluid. Procedures to be followed in the event of the accident • Make sure children have plenty of fluids. These are available from your pharmacy and can be mixed with water or their favourite fruit juice. • Help your child feel fresher by wiping their face with a cool, damp flannel. • If sickness and diarrhoea continues for more than four to six hours in the very young, contact your GP. Do the same in cases of severe diarrhoea only that persist for more than 24 hours, or sooner in babies with lots of watery diarrhoea. Inform parents right away if this occurs at school. Procedures after the accident has followed Do not allow children to go back to school until 48 hours after the symptoms have gone. Prevention for the future Toys and furnishing • Thoroughly clean and disinfect any toys and soft furnishings that may have been contaminated or machine wash where possible at high temperatures (above the normal 40° wash). • Clean soiled carpets or furnishings thoroughly with hot water and detergent or steam clean if possible Thorough hand washing and drying is the most important factor in preventing the spread of such illness. Although hands may look clean, germs picked up by touching solid items and surfaces can be passed on when you touch something, someone or food. Many different things can make children vomit: • Vomiting may occur in cases of stomach upset, often together with diarrhoea. It may be due to a viral infection • If a child gets an ear infection, an infection of the airways or the urinary system, the appendix, the throat or chest, and runs a temperature at the same time – this often causes vomiting. Children, who are under a lot of stress at school, or at home, may occasionally vomit. If this happens repeatedly, it would be wise to consult t