Tda_2.2

Unit number TDA 2.2 2.3 Instances that require urgent medical attention include the following: Profuse bleeding e.g. a bad nose bleed or a bleed that won’t stop Head injuries resulting in unconsciousness Asthma attacks or any severe breathing problems Fits or seizures Suspected broken bones Choking incidents In the above cases it is important to call for help in a calm manner and then to find out, if possible, exactly what has happened so that if an ambulance is called you can give a good description. It is important not to panic as this may upset the child. You should reassure any children that have witnessed the emergency. Children that are unconscious should to be placed in the recovery position and be kept warm. If possible clear the area around the child to reduce the chance of further injury to either the hurt child or other children. In cases of asthma it is important to know whether the child has an inhaler and where it is kept and it is very important to know how to use it. In the school where I am doing my placement all the inhalers are kept in the secretary’s office along with a logbook which notes down their use. If you are unsure on any of these points then you should call for help. If the inhaler does not relieve the attack you must call for medical help. If a child is diabetic they may need to inject themselves with an insulin pen. Diabetes is when the pancreas does not produce insulin. Sometimes after exercise or if a child does not eat the right things then blood glucose level will fall leading to hypoglycaemia. This is a very dangerous state and needs to be watched for. The symptoms include: sweating, intense hunger, trembling, weakness, nervousness, palpitations and the child may have trouble speaking. When this occurs it is important to give the child something sugary. Glucose tablets or a sugary drink are good. Then give some carbohydrate such as biscuits. Children usually respond well to this but if not then medical help is needed especially if they lose consciousness as hypoglycaemia can lead to coma. A lot of children are allergic to certain things. Some may have mild reactions such a rashes, sneezing episodes or mild swelling around the eyes. Other children may have severe reactions resulting in anaphylactic shock. This is a life threatening condition and immediate treatment is required. Common causes are foods such as nuts, eggs and some seafood and bee stings are another cause. Children who are known to be prone should have an injection of adrenaline available at school. It is always advisable to get medical assistance even when an injection of adrenaline has been given. Sickle cell anaemia is a painful condition that always requires urgent medical help. It happens when the sickle shaped red blood cells clump together and block small blood vessels causing the surrounding tissue to be deprived of oxygen which causes pain and damages vital organs.