Managing paediatric illness Essay

Accidents leave happen however cargonful you carry issue risk mensuratements and carry stag electric s s as well aslrren. That is why it is recommended that practiti unriv in alledrs take a start-off maintenance course. thither has to be at least(prenominal) one beginning(a) assister present at precisely registe wild scenes. The aims of beginning(a) aid ar often think backed as the three ps, these atomic shape 18 Preserve Life.Pr sheath the human carcass from worsening.Promote reco really. whatevertimes starting line aid is all that is essential- for instance, super C minor injuries such(prenominal) as grazes magical spell of tail be toughened suitablely. However, it is master(prenominal) to agnize when checkup avail is infallible urgently. Whe neer you argon appointing with an separatrix, calamity or illness you must(prenominal) adhere hush up. You should reassure casual hookings, and pincerren who be by offerers, as they whitethorn b e frightened. You should ensure that you and spindlely(a)s argon non puzzle at unnecessary risk. Think with your marchs cautiously and make safety your priority. Major chaps ar often associated with former(a) injuries and priorities must be set in each uncomplaining. Control of inbred concealed haemorrhage, for ex great, from a ruptured spleen, takes precedence over pop off management. It is, however, twingeing(prenominal) in severely wound patients that open fractures are managed as stiletto heelly as mathematical. The advantages of this onslaught take on diminished risk of infection, step-down in pain, spikely dexterity to sit upright with improved respiratory function, inhibitd continuing air expiry, and improved healing of soft tissue injuries and a reduced relative incidence of fat embolism.Initial assessment.Primary survey- the ABCDEs of the primary survey should be assessed. Haemorrhage from a musculoskeletal blot should be identified and controll ed with re question pressure. It is important to have it off that signifi dropt amounts of smear whitethorn be bewildered from fractures of the pelvis or femur and haemodynamic instability from hypovolemia whitethorn be present. Physical mental testing is carried out while resuscitation is in progress in hypovolemic patients. Clothing is cut free and the patient is examined for fractures andfor evidence of internal haemorrhage. The pursuance are important adjuncts to the primary survey and resuscitation Fracture reduction and immobilisation apprehension splinting of fractures will minimise soft tissue deterioration, reduce business loss, control pain and prevent conversion of a unlikeable fracture to an open fracture. Temporary tr bring by dint of devices whitethorn be exercise to maintain satisfactory alignment. It is important to examine the injured outgrowth for signs of vascular and nerve soil, as good as sear raiseg for a fracture or crack-up. The fractured lim b should be handled as gently as doable if tight-fitting realignment is necessary in order to cook a padded standard or improvised splint.Splinting should immobilise the joints blueer up and below the fracture withal. The open hurt compound fracture should be revolutionizely top with a clean or uninspired dressing. Bone protruding from the wound should be left undisturbed. Analgesia. Although splinting greatly assists pain control, the need services whitethorn administer an intravenous narcotic analgesia. Resuscitation- up to four litres of short letter may be lost with severe fractures of the pelvis or femur. Adequate resuscitation out front internal fixation is oddly important in such patients, who may lose 50% or to a greater extent of their wrinkle volume, either awayly (with open injuries) or into the tissues of the t lavishly and pelvis. One or 2 litres of furrow distri simplyed evenly throughout the soft tissues of the thigh will increase the external diameter by a mere 1-2cm patients with multiple pelvic and other fractures soulate forward require re built in bedment or con berthrably to a greater extent than their blood volume.Secondary survey- during the lower-ranking survey a foc utilize history and examination are performed, including a neurological assessment. History taking should incorporate ample and the following points should be considered circumstances of the accident, and history of crushing trauma or explosive phalanxs. If the patient has been involved in a motor fomite accident. Physical examination and neurological assessment. Signs of fracture are topical anaesthetic loss of function, bony tenderness, bubble uping, deformity, bruising and comfortive muscle spasm. scrutiny for freakish straw man and crepitus is unnecessarily painful and contraindicated. An obvious fracture may often throw out of kilter attention from a less(prenominal) obvious crack. For example, dislocation of the hip may coexist wi th an obvious femoral shaft fracture (sometimes the real capture of persistent jar) a spinal anesthesia fracture with afracture of the cal washbowleus. splanchnic injuries such as splenic rupture are seen with fractured ribs urethral or bladder injuries with a fractured pelvis. The examiner should check peripheral pulsates and evidence of limb ischemia beyond a fracture-such a complication requires urgent correction.The near customary vascular injuries are at the knee and elbow-to the pop outliteal vessels after severe knee injury in baberen and to the brachial artery following supracondylar fracture. Neurological examination is excessively essential loss of motor motive in each muscle group or loss of each cutaneous sensation indicates nerve injury. If the patient prat flex and set out down the toes and ankle, the major nerves of the lower extremity are intact if the fingers evoke be break up and flexed and the thumb faeces be extended, functional justness of the major nerves of the upper limb is present. Common nerve injuries following fractures are the radial nerve from fracture of the mid-humerus, the peroneal nerve from proximal fibular fracture and knee injuries, and the ulnar nerve from fracture of the health check epicondyle of the humerus. sciatic and axillary nerve injuries must endlessly be excluded after dislocation of the hip or shoulder. Careful attention to the details of topical anaesthetic interposition is most important. Fractures heal promptly with correct local treatment. Children are ceaselessly bumping and bruising themselves. all it takes is one fall too hard, and the boor cleverness just end up with a broken bone. One out of five people has had a fracture at some point in time, and the utmost of these fractures elapse during childhood. How can you tell if its a fracture or a sprain? The pains is less intensive in a sprain than in a fracture, but never make a mistake of belowestimating psyches pain threshol d.A dislocation is when the bone has come out from the socket. This also results in perspicacious pain, swelling, an inability to carry every(prenominal) pitch and an inability to impress the injured limb. A hairline fracture is just when the bone imparts a crack that goes through it. Such fractures still be bum about immense pain, but at least the chances of take uping an operation are slim. A compound fracture is one in which the bone entirely breaks apart pops out through the struggle. This is the worst gracious and it may result in loss of blood as well. The freshman step to be taken is to immobilise the limb.it should not be travel at all. Leg fracture- if a child has a surmise fractured forking, cautiously straighten it. Call for requirement services and in the meantime, secure the leg so it doesnt pass. Apply twain splints, one onthe sexual leg from the foot to inner thigh, and the other on the outside, from the foot to the armpit. mend the splints well. D o not trend the child until their leg has been completely immobilised. You could tie both legs together for added support. Hand fracture- the hand should be moved to a 90 dot angle and kept close to the breast. It should be immobilised in this position, and if the pain is too intense, do not move it at all.To overhaul maintain the position set out the injured arm into a sling. Bleeding- if a child is bleeding, you should treat the bleeding frontly-year. Stop the bleeding by starting c angle it with sterile piss and then apply a sterile clean dressing. Keep RICE in mind, as a first aid treatment for all fractures, sprains and dislocations Rest- Give plenty of rest to the immobilised limb. question it as little as possible so that in that respect is no strain. Ice- Apply ice to the injured field of force. No catch farm treatment or massage should be granted. Use an ice pack or wind some ice cubes in a damp towel and apply it to the injured firmament. You could also occasion eitherthing frozen such as a packet of frozen peas. Compression- Wrap up the injured area with a large crepe bandage if possible, or persona all clean, wise cloth available. Wrap it as tight as is comfortable. However use up the patient dont assume how tight it is. This will economise pain somewhat. Elevation- The injured limb should kind of be raised above the level of the heart. This could be done using something like a pillow. During all first aid treatment it is indispensable that the patient is reassured and is do as comfortable as possible and that you stay as calm as possible to abide by the emplacement and patient calm, do not delay seeking medical assistance and ensure the patient the Great Compromiser nil by emit in case surgery or anaesthesia is needed as this will delay things.Head injuries come out comm only if in child hood and adolescence. just about psyche injuries are mild and not associated with brain injury or long boundary complication s. A send injury is all trauma that injures the scalp, skull, or brain. The injury may be only a minor bump on the skull or a practiced brain injury. A closed indicate injury means you received a hard blow to the indicate from striking an prey, but the object did not break the skull. An open, or cracking, school principalroom injury means you were hit with an object that broke the skull and entered the brain. This unremarkably happens when you move at high speed. Symptoms of a head injury can occur right away, or develop slowly over several hours or days. Even if the skull is not fractured, the brain can bang against the inside ofthe skull and be bruised. The head may pure tone fine, but problems could result from bleeding or swelling inside the skull. In any serious head trauma, the spinal cord is also likely to be injured. Some head injuries capture changes in brain function. This is key outed a traumatic brain injury. Learning to recognise a serious head injury and g ive basic first aid can save someones buy the farmlihood. Get medical jock at present if the some beBecomes very sleepy.Behaves ab prescriptly.Develops a severe business concern or stiff bang.Has pupils of unequal size.Is unable to move an arm or leg.Loses consciousness, even briefly.Vomits much than once.Concussion-the term concussion is used to describe a mild form of traumatic brain injury. Concussion embarrasss confusion, amnesia, headache, throw up and dizziness. Seizures.The signs and symptoms of a skull fracture areA cut, bruise, or swelling on their head. in that location may also be bruising approximately their eyes and seat their ears. crosscurrent or clear fluid coming out from their head, ear or nose. Bump or lump on their head.Dizziness, cutaneous senses tired. disorder or tenderness on their head.Very bad headache.Cerebral abridgement is very serious and almost invariably requires surgery. Cerebral abridgment occurs when there is a build-up of pressure on the brain. This pressure may be collectible to one of several different endeavors, such as an accumulation of blood in spite of appearance the skull or swelling of injured brain tissues. Cerebral abbreviateion is usually display cased by a head injury. However, it can also be out-of- sacque to other designers, such as guesswork, infection or a brain tumour. The condition may develop spryly after a head injury, or it may appear a few hours or even days later. Recognising cerebral compressionDeteriorating level of response.History of a recent head injury.Intense headache.Noisy breathing, becoming slow.Slow, yet practiced and strong pulse.Unequal pupil size.Weakness/paralysis down one side. high up temperature.Drowsiness.Ab traffic pattern behaviour.You should always consider the possibility of cervical lynchpin injury in cases of head injuries. at that place are two types of injury. distinctive cervical hyperextension injuries occur in drivers/passengers of a statutor y or slow-moving vehicle that is struck from behind. The souls frame is thrown earlier but the head lags, resulting in hyperextension of the neck. When the head and neck have reached maximum extension the neck then snaps into flexion. A rapid deceleration throws the head precedings and flexes the cervical spine. The chin limits forward flexion but the forward movement may be sufficient to cause longitudinal distraction and neurological damage. Hyperextension may occur in the subsequent recoil. The symptoms implicate uterine cervix pain, jaw pain, para spinal muscle tightness and spasms. Interscapular and low tail end pain. chromaticuced range of movements and neck tenderness. annoying, dizziness, vertigo, blurring of vision.Numbness in shoulders and arms.Swelling.Insomnia, anxiety.Leg weakness. ramification weakness.Other possible cause of acute neck pain and severity caused by head injury include Spinal fracture.Cervical record herniation.Subarachnoid haemorrhage.Cervical spondylosis.The primary goal in the early management of a severely injured patient is theprovision of sufficient oxygen to the tissues to reduce organ failure and secondary central nervous system damage. The first priority is to establish and maintain a patients air passage. With the assenting of high-concentration oxygen and the presence of adequate tissue perfusion, this will enable sufficient spontaneous breathing or assisted ventilation to oxygenate the patient. The possibility of an unstable cervical injury exists in patients exposed to significant stark(a) trauma during air passage interventions neck movements must be minimised to avoid secondary handicap to the spinal cord. Head injury with impaired consciousness and reduced pharyngeal tone is the commonest trauma- colligate cause of air lane obstruction. The airway may also be soiled with blood or regurgitated matter. Blunt or enter injuries that obstruct the airway include maxillary, mandibular and laryngotracheal fractures, and the large anterior neck haematomas. Significant partial and incipient airway obstruction are also potential causes of early death.Vigilant reassessment with immediate restoration and egis of airway patency is essential. Having ensured scene safety, the initial approach to the trauma dupe begins with an assessment of the patency of the airway and if indicated manual in line stabilisation (MILS) of the cervical spine. In unconsciousness patients, the head and neck should be maintained in neutral alignment. MILS may be replaced with a correctly coat hard cervical collar, lateral blocks and straps across the forehead and chin piece of the collar. Spinal immobilisation prohibits head tilt. A jaw thrust may be much effective in relieving airway obstruction with change magnitude consciousness than a chin tog out. However, a jaw thrust can cause significant movement of an unstable cervical spine. If resided an oropharyngeal airway may maintain airway patency while exer ting less force on the vertebrae. Subsequently assisted ventilation may be more successful if separate bring throughrs apply the jaw thrust, hold the face entomb and begin resuscitation.Any material such as dust, sand or paint that gets into the eye is imposeed a distant body. Foreign bodies fall into two categories Superficial- these stick to the front of the eye or get trapped under one of the eyelids, but do not enter the eye. Penetrating- these penetrate the satellite shape of the eye and enter the eye. These objects are usually locomotion at high speed and are commonly made of metal. Superficial contrasted bodies are not usuallyserious.A penetrating eye injury can be extremely serious-it may deuce-ace to blindness in not detected and treated promptly. If you get a dilettantish body in your eye, first aid treatment in the form of a gentle rinsing with sterile urine is grant it is easier to tilt the head or lie down and rinse the eye from the side. It is vital to keep the child calm and reassure them throughout. If a child has a penetrating eye injury you must seek urgent medical assistance remembering to keep calm and reassure the child.Foreign bodies in the ear can either be in the lobe or in the ear canal. Objects usually found in the ear lobe are earrings, either stuck in the lobe from infection or placed too deep during insertion. Foreign bodies in the ear canal can be anything a child can push into their ear. The reason children place things in their ears is usually because they are bored, strange or copying other children. Sometimes, one child may rear an object in some other childs ear during play. Insects may also fly into the ear canal, causing potential harm. The treatment for contradictory bodies in the ear is prompt removal of the object. In the case of the foreign body universe an louse you can use tepid water in any other case it is important that trained professionals channelise the items to prevent any further damage occu ring. The techniques they may use include Instruments may be inserted to retrieve it.Magnets in the case of metal objects.cleanup position the ear canal with water.A machine with suction to suffice winding the object out.After removal of the object the ear will be re-examined to determine whether there is any injury to the ear canal. Antibiotic drops may be inflict to treat any possible infection. Medical service of process should be sought if treatment is unsuccessful and to ensure all materials are mop upd. The most common symptom of a foreign body in the nose is nasal discharge. The drainage appears only on one side of the nose and often has a bad odour. In some cases, the child may also have a bloody nose. The treatment for this involves prompt removal by a medical professional. They may find ifnecessary to sedate a child in order to pull out the object successfully. Again the doctor may prescribe nose drops or antibiotic treatment. Whilst waiting for medical assistance it is vital to get along the child to evanesce through their mouth.Corneal grindings- are a scratch or injury to the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. There are many things that can cause an abrasion to the cornea. When objects make meeting with the surface of the eye, a small abrasion can occur. Chemical trend- occurs when a child gets any type of chemical substance in their eye. Chemical ruin are a medical emergency. They can result in a loss of vision and even a loss of the eye itself. Household cleaning agents are a common cause of this type of injury. Bruising or black eye- usually occurs from some type of injury to the eye, causing the tissue around the eye to start out bruised. Fractures to the orbit- the orbit is the bony structure around the eye. When one or more bones surrounding the eye are broken. An orbital fracture usually occurs after some type of injury or strike to the face. chapeau lacerations- are cuts to the eyelids ca used by injury.General symptoms of eye injuries can includeBlood in the eyeball.Changes in the shape of the iris or pupil.Eye pain.The absence exaltation of obvious symptoms.When checking eyes for injury it is important to wear gloves and any cuts should be cleaned with sterile water to prevent infection, always wash hands originally and after examining a patient. Check the patients vision. Within the setting the most common eye injury is caused by things such as sand this can be dealt with by a trained first aider on site. However other injuries will more than likely need medical assistance.Sickle Cell Anaemia.Symptoms vary, ranging from mild to severe, and may be less severe, or different in children who have inherited a fed up(p)le cell gene from one parent and a different abnormal haemoglobin gene from the other. Most children withsickle cell disease have some degree of anaemia and might develop one or more of the following conditions and symptoms as part of the disorder Acu te chest syndrome.Acharge card crisis.Hand-foot syndrome.Infections.Painful crisis.Splenic sequestration crisis.Stroke.Bone marrow transplant is the only cognize cure for sickle cell disease. But even without a cure, children with sickle cell can lead relatively normal lives. Medicines are available to attention manage the pain and immunisations and daily doses of penicillin can assist prevent infection. Most children will require two doses of penicillin, as prescribed by their GP, if attending a setting a nominated single(a) will be responsible for the administration of this medication. It is vital to seek emergency attention if the child develops Fever of 101 F or higher. knocker painsPain that isnt relieved by oral medication. suddenness of breath or trouble breathing.Extreme fatigue.Severe headache or dizziness.Severe stomach pain or swelling.Jaundice or piquetness. fast change of vision.Seizures.Weakness.Slurring.Loss of consciousness.Numbness or tingling.Remember to reass ure the child, you should encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids, rest regularly and avoid temperatures.Diabetes. invariable testing of blood glucose levels is a very important part of diabetes anxiety. Testing is done by taking a drop of blood, usually from a finger, and placing it on a special test strip in a glucose meter. Caregivers must practice universal precautions when handling and disposing of testing equipment. Hyperglycaemia, or high blood sugar, occurs with both types of diabetes. It occurs when the body gets too little insulin, too a great deal food, too little exercise or with illness. Stress from a frigorific, naked as a jaybird throat, or other illness may increase the level of blood glucose. Symptoms include frequent irritation, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weightless, irritability and scummy sleep, nausea and vomiting, and weakness and blurred vision.Hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, is more common in people with type 1 diabetes. It is the most common immediate health problem and is also called insulin reaction or insulin shock. It occurs when the body gets too much insulin, too little food, a delay meal or more than the usual amount of exercise. Symptoms include hunger, changes in mood or behaviour, sweating, and rapid pulse. Treatment commonly involves quickly restoring glucose levels to normal with a sugary food or drink such as orange juice, candy, biscuits or glucose tablets. If not treated properly, it can result in loss of consciousness and a life-threatening coma. Glucagon injections are used in life-threatening situations to increase blood glucose. First aid for a diabetic come are as followedCall emergency services.Dont testify to give them food or fluids as they may choke. come in them into the recovery position to prevent any obstruction to breathing. Follow any instructions given to you by the emergency services operator until paramedics arrive.Asthma.In an asthma blow the muscles of the air passages in the lungs go into spasm and the linings of the airways swell. As a result, the airways start narrowed and breathing expires difficult. Sometimes there is a specific trigger for an asthma blast such as an allergya coldcigarette smokeextremes of temperatureexercise.Recognition featuresDifficulty in breathing, with a very prolonged breathing-out phase. There may also bereedy as the casualty breathes outdifficulty speaking and rustlingdistress and anxietycoughingfeatures of hypoxia, such as a grey-blue extend to to the lips, earlobes and nail beds (cyanosis).Severities of attacks are frightening for the child concerned and can also by frightening for those children who may be witnessing it. The child wheezes and set outs breathless. Prompt action is needed. Reassure the child. Give bronchodilator inhaler as instructed if the child is a get laidn asthmatic. These inhalers should always be immediately available- they deliver medication to the lungs to relieve the impact airways . Children may also have another type of inhaler used to prevent attacks. Make sure you know which to use in an emergency, particularly if older children generally use their inhalers themselves. Sit child upright and leaning forwards in a comfortable position. Stay with them. If this is the first attack or the condition persists call for an ambulance remember to crinkle changes in the childs face and lips ( tinge) and all breathing difficulties and speech to pass onto paramedics. verify there is adequate ventilation and encourage the child to breathe deep and slowly.Meningitis.Meningitis should be treated as a medical emergency because bacteriuml meningitis can lead to septicaemia which can be fatal. Bacterial meningitis is the more serious form of the condition. The symptoms usually begin suddenly and rapidly get worse. Emergency services should be intimacyedimmediately if it is suspected. Bacterial meningitis has a outlet of early warning signs that usually occur before othe r symptoms. These are Pain in the muscles, joints or limbs.Unusually cold hands and feet. discolor or blotchy flake off and blue lips.The presence of a high temperature with any of the above symptoms should be taken very seriously and emergency services should be called. Early symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions, and include A severe headache.Fever.Nausea.Vomiting.Feeling generally unwell.As the condition gets worse it may causeDrowsiness.Confusion.Seizures or fits.Being unable to tolerate bright light.A stiff neck.A rapid breathing rate.A blotchy rash that does not fade or change colour when you place a glass against it. Viral meningitis- most people will experience mild flu like symptoms. When examining a child with suspected meningitis it is vital to wash hands and wear personal, shelterive, equipment such as available aprons, and gloves to reduce the risk of cross infection, ensure you reassure and dont panic the child at any stage. It is important to infor m sr. staff or management of the case so they can reach and inform others where necessary.Febrile convulsions.Febrile convulsions maybe due to epilepsy, or a high temperature. Violent muscle tw itch, clenched fists, arched back, may lead to unconsciousness. Do not try to restrain the child. Instead clear the immediate area andsurround the child with pillows or padding for protection. settle down the surroundings and the child gradually (as for a temperature), sponging skin if necessary. When seizures stop place the child in the recovery position and reassure. Dial 999. Remember to prevent strangulation ensure the mouth is clear drain any fluids, pulling the chin and jaw forward if breathing is alter.Epilepsy.It is vital to remain calm when dealing with seizures as a persons response to seizures can put to work how other people act. If the first person remains calm, it will dish uper others stay calm too. Talking calmly and reassuring the patient during and after the seizure - it will helper them as they recover from the seizure. Dont be afraid. Stay calm. The person will be ok.Do not try to stop the person from shakiness. If the patient is walking, gently guide them away from dodgy places like stairs. Call emergency services and tell them clearly what is adventure and you need an ambulance. To make sure they dont get hurt, move anything sharp.Place something soft under the patients head, loosen tight clothing, and accept jewelry and glasses. Do not put anything in the patients mouth.If you can, check a clock to see what time the seizure begun and the time the shaking stops or the person wakes up. Once the seizure has ended place them in the recovery position to stop them from choking and causing any harm to themselves. Never leave the patient wait until medical help is there and remember to speak in a peace of mind instance to reassure the patient. You should never restrain someone having a seizure. Just protect the person form injury, as restr ains them, can cause more harm, and remember putting someone into the recovery position after a seizure can stop them from swallowing their own tongue which could lead to death.Hypothermia.Hypothermia happens when a persons body temperature drops below 35C (95F). Normal body temperature is around 37C (98.6F). Hypothermia can quickly induce life threatening and should be treated as a medical emergency. Its usually caused by being in a cold purlieu and can be triggered by acombination of things such as being outdoors in cold conditions for a long time, victuals in a poorly awakeed house or locomote into cold water. The signs of hypothermia vary looking on how low a persons temperature has dropped. Initial symptoms include shivering, tiredness, fast breathing and cold or sentinel skin. As the temperature drops, shivering becomes more violent (although this will stop completely if the hypothermia worsens further), the person is likely to become delirious, and struggle to breathe or move and they may lose consciousness. Babies with hypothermia may look healthy but their skin will feel cold. They may also be limp, unusually quiet and refuse to feed. You should seek immediate medical help if you suspect someone has hypothermia. If someone you know has been exposed to the cold and they are distressed, confused, have slow, shallow breathing or theyre unconscious, they may have severe hypothermia. In this case, dial 999 immediately to request an ambulance. While waiting for medical help, it is important to try to prevent further rouse loss and gently fervent the person. You should Move the person indoors or somewhere lovesome as soon as possible. Once they are somewhere warm, conductfully remove any wet clothing and wry the person. Wrap them in blankets, towels or coats.If the person is unconscious, not breathing and you cant detect a pulse in their neck after 60 seconds, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be given if you know how to do it. Once C PR is started, it should be continued without any breaks until medical assistance arrives. There are several things you can do to prevent hypothermia. Simple measures can help, such as wearing take over warm clothing in cold weather and ensuring that children are well wrapped up when they go outside.Hyperthermia.Hyperthermia is the general name given to a variety of heat-related illnesses. Warm weather and outdoor activity go hand in hand. However, it is important for older people to take action to avoid the severe health problems often caused by hot weather. The two most common forms of hyperthermia are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Of the two, heat stroke is specially dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. erupt stress occurs when a strain is placed on the body as a result of hotweather. warmth fatigue is a feeling of weakness brought on by high outdoor temperature. Symptoms include cool down, wet skin and a weakened pulse. The person many feel faint. Heat sy ncope is a sudden dizziness experienced after physical exertion in the heat. The skin appears pale and sweaty but is generally moist and cool. The pulse is weakened and the heart rate is usually rapid. Body temperature is normal.Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs following backbreaking activity. Heat cramps are caused by a lack of salt in the body. Heat exhaustion is a warning that the body is getting too hot. The person may be thirsty, giddy, weak, uncoordinated, nauseated and sweating profusely. The body temperature is normal and the pulse is normal or raised. The skin is cold and clammy. Heat stroke can be life-threatening and victims can die. A person with heat stroke usually has a body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Other symptoms include confusion, combativeness, bizarre behaviour, faintness, staggering, strong and rapid pulse, and possible delirium or coma. High body temperature is capable of producing irreversible brain damage.If the child is exhibiting signs of heat stroke, emergency assistance should be sought immediately. Without medical attention, heat stroke can be deadly. Heat exhaustion may be treated in several waysget the victim out of the sun into a cool place, preferably one that is air conditioned offer fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine water and fruit juices are scoop out encourage the individual to shower and bathe, or sponge off with cool water urge the person to lie down and rest, preferably in a cool place to prevent injury if the casualty does faint. watch calm and reassure the child.Electric Shock.The human body conducts electricity very well. That means electricity passes very easily throughout the body. Direct fulfil with electrical current can be deadly. While some electrical fire look minor, there still may be serious internal damage, especially to the heart, muscles, or brain. Electric current can cause injury in three waysCardiac arrest due to the electrical effect on the heartMuscle, nerve, and tissue destruction from a current passing through the body Thermal discharges from contact with the electrical point of reference1. If you can do so safely, handle off the electrical current. Unplug the cord, remove the fuse from the fuse box, or turn off the circuit breakers. Simply turning off an appliance may not stop the flow of electricity. Do non attempt to rescue a person near active high-voltage lines.2. Call your local emergency number, such as 911.3. If the current cant be saturnine off, use a non-conducting object, such as a broom, chair, rug, or scrape upber doormat to push the person away from the source of the current. Do not use a wet or metal object. If possible, stand on something dry and that doesnt conduct electricity, such as a rubber mat or folded newspapers.4. Once the person is away from the source of electricity, check the persons airway, breathing, and pulse. If either has stopped or seems hazardously slow or shallow, start fir st aid. (See CPR)5. If the person has a burn, remove any clothing that comes off easily, and rinse the burned area in cool running water until the pain subsides. Give first aid for burns.6. If the person is faint, pale, or shows other signs of shock, lay him or her down, with the head about(predicate) lower than the trunk of the body and the legs elevated, and cover him or her with a warm blanket or a coat.7. Stay with the person until medical help arrives.8. Electrical injury is frequently associated with explosions or falls that can cause additional severe injuries. You may not be able to flier all of them. Do not move the persons head or neck if the spine may be injured.Stay at least 20 feet away from a person who is being electrocuted by high-voltage electrical current (such as power lines) until the power is turned off. Do NOT touch the person with your bare hands if they are still in contact with the source of electricity Do NOT apply ice, butter, ointments, medications, fl uffy cotton dressings, or adhesive bandages to a burn Do NOT remove dead skin or break blisters if the person has been burned After the power is shut off, do NOT move the person unless there is a risk of fire or explosionBurns and Scalds.Superficial burnsSuperficial burns only affect the surface of your skin (epicorium). Your skin will be red and painful, but not blistered. Mild sunburn is an example of a ostensible burn. Partial-thickness burnsPartial-thickness burns are deeper burns that damage your shell and dermis to varying degrees. If the damage to your dermis is shallow, your skin may be pale pink and painful, with blisters. Deeper burns to your dermis will cause your skin to become dry or moist, blotchy and red. Deep partial-thickness burns may or may not be painful and they may blister. Full-thickness burnsAll layers of your skin are damaged by full-thickness burns. Your skin will look white, brown or black and dry, leathery or waxy. Because the nerves in your skin are de stroyed with full-thickness burns, you wont feel any pain or have blisters.Symptoms vary depending on the severity of your burn. They include changes in your skin colour burns can cause your skin to look pink, red, white, brown or black blisterspain in the destroy areaSymptoms of a burn to your airway includeburned anterior naris hairsa change in your voice (it may sound hoarse)a sore throatwheezingTreatment for burns depends on their severity. You can treat superficial and minor partial-thickness burns that are caused by heat yourself at home. However, seek urgent medical help from your GP or an accident and emergency department in a hospital for all deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burnsall chemical and electrical burnssuperficial and partial-thickness burns that cover an area larger than thepalm of your hand burns that cover a joint or are on your face, hands, feet or groin all burns that extend completely around a limball burns where you may have inhaled smoke besid es seek medical help for advice if youre not sure about the extent of a burn or how to deal with it. For burns caused by chemicals, if possible look at the advice on the label of the chemical product. For full-thickness burns or burns that are caused by chemicals or electricity, its important that you start cooling the burn immediately under cool or tepid water (unless instructed otherwise on the chemical product) and then call for emergency help. While youre waiting, there are a number of important things you can do. For burns caused by heat, keep cooling the burn with cool or tepid water for between 10 and 30 minutes or until medical help is available. Dont use iced water. Carefully remove any restrictive clothing or jewelry that isnt stuck to the burn. Next, cover the burn using cling film layer this on to the burn rather than wrapping it around a limb, for example. If you have a burn on your hand, use a clean, clear plastic bag. Dont use wet dressings or creams. For burns caus ed by chemicals, keep cooling the burn with cool or tepid water for at least 20 minutes and remove any affected clothing (wear gloves if possible). Dont try to neutralise the chemical with another chemical.Facial Burns.Facial burns will need to be treated differently depending on the degree of the burn. First-degree burns only penetrate into the epidermis and cause redness and swelling. Second-degree burns penetrate the hypodermis and cause redness, blotching, and blistering. Third degree burns penetrate all layers of skin and cause areas of blackening. A third-degree burn needs to be treated with emergency medical care. Treatment for a minor facial burn would include holding a cold compress to the burn for 10 to 15 minutes. After cooling, lotion should be applied. Cover with a sterile gauze bandage. Dont pop blisters and if they pop on their own, wash them gently with soap and water, and apply an antibiotic ointment under the sterile gauze.If the patient has been accidentally expos ed to fire or heated gases, damagemay occur to the mouth and airway. There may be signs of burning around the lips, nose, mouth, eyebrows or lashes. A dry cough or hoarse voice is an early sign of airway injury and prompt medical care is essential. How you can help1. consume the patient to a safe areaIf in a closed area, and if safe for the first aider, it is vital to remove the patient to a place free of the risk of further injury and preferably into fresh air. 2. Cool the injuryIf smoke or toxic gases may have been inhaled including degree centigrade monoxide from a vehicle exhaust, chlorine, ammonia or hydrochloric acid remove the patient from any enclosed or restricted area into an open area pour running water over the burn for 20 minutes. If there is any breathing difficulties allow the patient to find the position enable easy breathing with the head and chest raised. After an inhalation incident the patient may suffer from a severe lack of oxygen due to internal damage to the throat, upper airway and lungs. Call 999 for an ambulance. tipsiness.Poisoning is when a person is exposed to a substance that can damage their health or put their life in danger. There are many ways in which poison can enter the bodyThrough the mouth.Breathing them through the nose.Through your eyes.Through skin contact.From an plant louse or animal bite or sting.The symptoms of poisoning will depend on the type of poison and the amount taken in, the age and weight and size of the individual, but general things to look out for include vomitingstomach painshigh temperaturedrowsiness and fainting fitsDizziness, weakness.Fever or chills.Headache/confusion.If a child suddenly develops such symptoms, they may have been poisoned, especially if they are drowsy and confused. Being poisoned can be life-threatening. Giving appropriate first aid, as described below, can help minimise the harm to the person who is poisoned. For simplicity, we have referred to the person (casualty) in the male gender throughout. First, assess the situation and the risk youre in dont put yourself in danger. If you think someone has swallowed, injected or inhaled a poison, or taken a medicate overdose and appears to be unconscious, try to rouse him. If the person responds, you shouldnt move him. Instead, try to find out whats wrong, make sure his airway is open and that he can breathe well and you can monitor his condition. Call for emergency help or preferably get someone to call for you. If he is unresponsive, you should first shout for help and then open the airway by tilting his head back and lifting his chin. If its possible to leave him in the same position to open his airway then do so. However, if it isnt, turn him onto his back and then open his airway. hire someone to phone for an ambulance, and if necessary the fire brigade. If youre on your own, you should do this yourself. Be ready to give as much of the following nurture as you can to the paramedics and/or the doctor or nurse at the hospital. The name of what was swallowed injected or inhaled if you know it. If possible, keep the container and make a note of how much has been taken. The estimated time that the poison was taken or used.Whether or not the person has vomited.Whether you think it was accidental or deliberate.Whether the person has any degenerative illnesses (e.g., heart disease) or takes any medicines (if you know). If the person is unconscious and breathing normally, you should put him into the recovery position. Check his breathing regularly until help arrives. If the person is unconscious and isnt breathing normally, you should perform emergency resuscitation (CPR), but only if you know how. If you think the poison was swallowed, use the mouth-to-nose method, or preferably, use a pocket mask or face shield for rescue breathing. This way, you avoid any contact with traces of poison or vomit that might remain around the persons mouth or nose. If you think theperson has inhaled pe rnicious fumes, dont expose yourself to the persons breath and use chest compressions only. You should continue at a rate of 100 to cxx compressions per minute. Dont stop unless the person begins breathing normally, shows signs of regaining consciousness, such as coughing or their opening eyes, or qualified help arrives. If the person has pills, fluids or any substance in his mouth, try to get him to spit them out. You can give them to the hospital staff to help trace the cause of poisoning. Dont try to make the person sick as vomiting can cause even more damage. If the person has been sick, collect a sample of the vomit to take to hospital. This may help staff identify the poison.Everyone should learn basic first aid techniques. You never know when you might need them you could be at home, at work, at school or on holiday. Whether its a minor situation or something more serious, first aid knowledge will give you the confidence to act. You could be the difference between life and death. Deal with every day cuts and scrapes and nosebleeds.First aid advice is also available for asthma, fractures, sunburn, poisons, low blood sugar and more. Heart and circulatory disease is the UKs biggest killer. Learn how to recognise and treat heart attacks and shock. You can purchase a number of first aid books/manuals which will help and give you knowledge on how to deal with first aid emergencies, some of these manuals areThe most common first aid manuals which people will recognise are those from the British Red Cross, or St Johns Ambulance as these are well known UK organisations.The National Poisons selective information Service is the service to which frontline NHS staff turn for advice on the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients who have been or may have been poisoned, either by accident or intentionally. NPIS provides essential support for NHS healthcare professionals, assisting them in ensuring optimal care for patients in cases of serious poisoning, and, w here toxicity is low, offering advice to minimise unnecessary hospital attendances and admissions. NPIS is funded mainly through Government Grant in Aid from the UK wellness Departments, some contract income and some research income. In an emergency, members of the public should always contact their general practitioners, NHS 24 or NHS Direct or local A&E department. If the patient has collapsed or is not breathing properly, call 999. The NPIS does not provide poisons information directly to members of the public so, for routine poisons advice you should contact your general practitioner or telephone NHS Direct The National Poisons development Service does not accept enquiries from the public but supports NHS Direct and NHS 24 to answer such queries.If you suspect Carbon Monoxide poisoning or a gas leak you must leave the affected area immediately and report it as a matter of urgency to the National football field on 0800 111 999.Pharmacies.Pharmacy is the science and technique o f preparing and dispensing drugs and medicines. It is a health profession that links the health sciences with the chemical sciences and aims to ensure the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs. The scope of pharmacy practice includes more traditional roles such as compounding and dispensing medications, and it also includes more modern services related to health care, including clinical services, reviewing medications for safety and efficacy, and providing drug information. Pharmacists, therefore, are the experts on drug therapy and are the primary health professionals who optimize use of medication for the gain of the patients.Bites and Stings.Insect bites and stings are quite different attacks on our skin. Stings result when an bird louse is protecting itself when it feels threatened. Other than the initial pain of the attack, the sting can cause varying degrees of allergic reaction. A bite is a deliberate attack by the insect in order to feed from our blood. After the initial bite, the insect injects its salivainto the wound to allow the blood to flow and for the insect to feed. A reaction to the insects saliva causes the bite to become red and swollen and to make it itch. There are many insects that live in the UK that bite or sting to feed or protect themselves. Stingers include wasps, bees, hornets and ants. Biters include mosquitoes, midges, sand flies, horse flies and ticks. It is very obsolescent to catch diseases from insect bites and stings in the UK but it is possible. For example if bitten by a tick when walking in fields where deer have been, the person may catch Lyme disease, a serious infection caused by bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) spread by ticks.Abroad, in places such as Africa, Asia and South the States there are a number of diseases that can be caught through insect bites such as malaria, yellow fever, Dengue fever, and West Nile disease. When roily by an insect a baby or babe feels immediate pain, causing her or him to cr y. You will recognise this cry as being different from crying associated with hunger or tiredness and should check the child to find the cause. Look at exposed areas of skin, if the baby or infant has been stung, the area around the sting will swell and redden, later it may blister and produce an itchy rash. If the baby or infant has been bitten it may take several minutes for the bite to become itchy and swell into a lump or redden. In the case of midges when they attack in swarms there may be several areas where they have successfully attacked. These areas become hot and itchy and can remain so for several days.Some children are particularly sensitive to insect bites and stings and will suffer a severe allergic reaction resulting in dizziness, fainting, breathing difficulties, rash, raised pulse, sickness, or a swollen mouth and face. In very severe cases the victim may even collapse and die. This severe reaction is called anaphylactic shock. There are precautions you can take to avoid a baby or infant being stung or bitten by insects. Stings in the mouth or on the face and hands commonly occur in babies and infants when wasps, attracted by the sweet smell of drinks, ice cream, lollipops and sweets, are accidentally stirred when eating or drinking. Keep an eye on children when eating or drinking outdoors, if you see a wasp on or near a child, dont aggravate the insect by flaps around, react calmly and simply brush it away. If you are being bitten by insects when outdoors, itis likely that the children are being bitten too.Be aware of this and try to cover as much of the childs skin as possible with long trousers and tops with long sleeves. If in a pram or buggy, use an insect net to protect children particularly if she or he is asleep. Avoid areas such as ponds where mosquitoes, midges and horse flies commonly occur. When travelling abroad, cover the cot with a mosquito net, close all doors and windows at shadow and spray rooms with an insecticide or use electric desiccation producing mosquito killers. Insect repellents containing low concentrations of DEET or icaridin can be used on infants over 2 years of age. They should not be used on babies in case the ingredients come in contact with their eyes or lips. Even when applied correctly, it is possible that a baby will rub its eyes or suck its fingers, allowing the repellents to be absorbed.If an infant has been playing or walking in fields where deer may have been, descry the childs legs and arms closely for ticks small brown spider-like insects machine-accessible to the skin. If present, get hold of the tick with a pair if tweezers and gently lift away from the skin without twisting.As soon as you notice a child may have been stung by a bee, remove the sting and the venomous sac if it has been left in the skin. Do this by scraping it out, either with your fingernails or using something with a hard edge, such as a bank card. When removing the sting, be careful not to spread the venom further under their skin and do not deflate the venomous sac. Do not pinch the sting out with your fingers or a pair of tweezers because you may spread the venom. If a child has been stung, an prominent should remove the sting. Wasps and hornets do not usually leave the sting behind, so could sting you again. If you have been stung and the wasp or hornet is still in the area, walk away calmly to avoid being stung again. Most insect bites and stings cause itching and swelling that usually clears up within several hours. Minor bites and stings can be treated by race the affected area with soap and waterplacing a cold compress (a flannel or cloth cooled with cold water) over the affected area to reduce swelling not scratching the area because it can become infected (keep childrens fingernails short and clean)See your GP ifthe redness and itching gets worse or does not clear up after a few days. If they have swelling or itching anywhere else on their body after being bitten or st ung, or if they are wheezing or have difficulty swallowing, they will need emergency medical treatment. Call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance. Throughout the treatment of this its vital to reassure and help keep the child calm.Remember in the event of injury or sudden illness, failure to provide first aid could result in a casualtys death.