HOME SCIENCE Home Safety and FirstAid 1 Outline

HOME SCIENCE Home Safety and First-Aid 1

Outline of the Chapter Introduction to Home Safety Causes of unsafe conditions Accidents Robbery Fall Fire Electrical Shocks Poisoning Choking and Suffocation 2

Outline of the Chapter (contd. ) Safety Tips for the Kitchen Safety Tips for the Bathroom Safety Tips for the Bedroom Safety Tips for the Living Room Safety Tips for Kids' Rooms Handling Electricity in the Home First Aid and Handling Emergencies Recommended Emergency Supplies Handling some Common Emergencies Cardio-Pulmanery Respiration 3

Introduction to Home Safety Home safety refers to the awareness and education of risks and potential dangers in and around a home which may cause bodily harm. It includes mitigating or preventing the unwanted dangers. Many accidents occur everyday due to lack of safety. 4

Causes of Unsafe Conditions Accidents by sharp objects Accidents by hot objects Electrical shocks Fall Fire Poisoning Robbery Carelessness Choking and suffocation 5

Accidents are caused by being careless. What do accidents lead to? Long time injury Scrapes and scratches Broken bones 6

Accidents (contd. ) How can we avoid accidents from happening? By being cautious and thinking before we act. By following safety rules and procedures. By being careful while using sharp objects like knives, blades and scissors. By using hot objects like stoves, irons and matches only in the supervision of an adult or by an adult. By avoiding playing with or sticking something into light sockets, light bulbs and plug-ins. By checking all electrical outlets and ensuring that appliances that are not in use are unplugged. By ensuring that all electrical wirings are regularly checked for possible wear and tear. 7

Robbery is one of the most common crimes that happens every year. Precautions to keep our homes safe from robbery Use of proper locks, security cameras or security personnel if affordable. Keep an eye on people around us and be aware of their actions. Ensure that doors and windows are equipped with strong and secure locks while going out on a holiday. 8

Robbery (contd. ) Precautions to keep our homes safe from robbery (contd. ) Inform your neighbours and family about your holiday Keep some indoor lighting on at night. Keep your outdoor well illuminated at night. For example, a motion sensitive light informs you if somebody is approaching or passing by your house. Keep your bushes trimmed to eliminate hiding places of robbers. 9

Fall Falls are the most common kind of accident at home. Precautions to avoid accidents by fall Floors and stairs should be in good condition. No objects should be left on the stairs to avoid people from tripping especially at night. Spilled water, greases, oil and other liquids should be cleaned up as quickly as possible A chair or ladder should be used while reaching for objects placed at a height, which should then be securely placed. 10

Fire Accidents by fire mostly take place in the kitchen and can cause serious injuries and sometimes death. Precautions to avoid accidents by fire When a gas leak is suspected no matches should be struck and no electric switches should be turned on. Windows should be opened immediately to let the gas out and allow fresh air to come in. Always turn off the gas stoves when not in use. Stove installation should be inspected periodically to prevent leaks. Avoid wearing nylon clothes while cooking in the kitchen 11

Fire (contd. ) Precautions to avoid accidents by fire (contd. ) Ensure the use of fire resistant materials while building a new home. Never leave candles or other open flames unattended in your home. Ensure cigarette butts are completely out before throwing them in the trash. Regularly clear dry and dead leaves, trees and grass from your yard. Store firewood away from your home. 12

Fire (contd. ) Precautions to avoid accidents by fire (contd. ) Install smoke alarms on each floor of your home, check batteries regularly and test them atleast once a month. Do not leave pots or pans unattended while cooking on the stove. Make sure you and your family has a fire escape plan. Practice the plan and ensure everyone in your home knows exactly what to do in case of a fire. 13

Electrical Shocks Preventive measures to avoid accidents by electric shocks Avoid leaving hot irons, curling irons, grills etc. unattended. All electrical wiring should be installed and maintained by a qualified and licensed electrician. Never touch any electrical appliances if your hands are wet. Never unplug an appliance by pulling on the cord or eventually you can break the connection with a plug. An electrical appliance should be turned off before touching it. 14

Poisoning Precautions to prevent accidents from poisoning Keep cleaners, medications and beauty products in a place inaccessible by the kids. Use child safety locks if necessary. If in doubt of poisoning rush the person to the nearest hospital. 15

Choking and Suffocation Precautions to prevent accidents from choking and suffocation Keep coins, latex balloons and hard round foods such as peanuts and hard candy away from children. Place babies to sleep on their backs, alone in their crib. Avoid putting pillows, blankets, comforters or toys in cribs as these things can sometimes keep a baby from breathing. Watch children carefully when they are in or around water bodies such as bathtubs, toilets, pools and buckets of water and stay close enough to reach out to them. 16

Safety Tips for the Kitchen Put matchboxes and lighters in locked cabinets. Store harmful cleaning products in locked cabinets and keep them away from children's reach. Install smoke alarms in the kitchen but never install it near windows and doors as it will create problems during functioning. Never pour poisonous material in drinking glasses and food containers. Never place hot objects on towels, napkins or tablecloths. Never leave knives or any sharp objects in a sink as they create injury while washing utensils. Put knives in a knife guard or a butcher block. 17

Safety Tips for the Kitchen (contd. ) Always put cooking utensils in the centre of the stove while cooking. While working in the kitchen ensure no oily or other material is dropped on the stove or oven as sometimes the cooking material flows out which sticks to the oven or stove and catches fire. Make sure that the cords of appliances do not hang over kitchen counters. Always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. 18

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Safety Tips for the Bathroom Never leave child in the bathtub alone. Keep shampoos, lotions and soap dish away from the children's reach Keep electrical appliances wrapped. Put non-slip strips in the bath tub or shower place. Make use of lights in the night in the bathroom. Place non-skid bathroom mats to avoid injury. Install grip bars or rails in the bathroom as they help in standing in the bath tub. Install sink with cabinet in bathroom as it can be used to store floor cleaner, drain openers etc. Always keep the bathroom floor clean and dry. 20

Safety Tips for the Bedroom Never smoke in the bedroom. Keep clothes, curtains, bed sheets at least three feet away from the room heater. Fires occur during winter season due to over use of heating appliances and lighting. Use safe light bulb wattage for each fixture. Never put extension cords under carpet or rugs as it causes short-circuit. Never place furniture with sharp edges in the bedroom. Always place furniture with round edges. Place smoke alarms in your bedroom. 21

Safety Tips for the Living Room Use safety-proof plugs to cover electrical outlets at home. Keep the living room clutter free to avoid falls. Place furniture with round edges instead of sharp edges. Cover fireplace with metal fire frame. Never place lighting fixtures near curtains, clothes etc. Switch off light when not in use. Make proper arrangement for ventilation. 22

Safety Tips for Kids' Rooms Do not place furniture near the window in kids' rooms. Keep heavy, small and breakable things away from children's reach. Keep curtains, clothes, paper stuff three feet away from light to avoid fire. Place furniture with round edges instead of sharp edges. Keep stairs clean and dry. Make proper arrangement of lights on or around stairs to avoid falls. Use hand rails to move up and down the stairs. It is better to have railing on both sides of the stairs. Install a gate at the top or bottom of the stairs. 23

Handling Electricity in the Home A large number of accidents occur in the home due to poor care and use of electrical appliances and electrical outlets. Some common safety measures that can be taken are as follows: Put safety caps on all unused electrical outlets. DO NOT yank (pull) an electrical cord from the wall as it can damage the appliance, the plug or the outlet. Ensure all electric cords are tucked away neatly. Ask a grown-up for help when you need to use something that uses electricity. Look up and look out for the power lines before you climb a tree. The electricity can go right through the tree branch 24 and right through you!

Handling Electricity in the Home (contd. ) DO NOT ever climb the fence around an electrical substation. If a ball or a pet gets inside the fence, ask a grown up to call the electric company. Remind everyone to watch out for power lines when they are using a ladder or other outdoor equipment. Keep electrical stuff far away from water as most electrical accidents happen when electricity is used near water. DO NOT fly a kite near power lines as the kite and the string may conduct electricity sending it right through you to the ground DO NOT plug a bunch of stuff into one outlet or extension cord as it could damage the electrical system in your 25 house or even cause fire.

Precautions when locking up the house When you leave your home for a long period, be sure to create the illusion that someone is home by putting your lights on timers, leaving a television on or having someone stay at your home when you are away. Check to see if all your doors have good, updated locks that work properly. If not, replace them immediately. Install a peephole in your front door so you can see who is outside before letting them in. Never leave extra keys or garage door openers under doormats, in mailboxes, or on top of the door frame. Instead leave an extra key with a close friend, 26 neighbour or family member who you trust.

Precautions when locking up the house (contd. ) Make any windows or sliding glass doors extra secure by laying a piece of wood or metal along the bottom track, preventing the window or door from opening from the outside. Always keep garage doors shut. Keep your blinds and drapes shut. Store expensive jewelry, electronics and important documents in a safe at home or a better option would be a safe deposit box at your local bank. Never leave a note on the door when you are away from home as it is a clear invitation for a criminal to enter your house. When you are away for extended periods , ask someone to collect your mail and newspapers as uncollected deliveries 27 are a clear indication of no one being at home.

First Aid and Handling Emergencies What is First Aid? Inspite of taking all the required precautions and steps to make our homes and the environment safe, accidents take place and emergencies crop up. We need to prepare ourselves to handle these emergencies by learning how to treat them before medical aid is made available to the victim. This aid is known as First Aid. A family should also plan all the aspects of an emergency dividing and duplicating the responsibilities among the family members in such a way that the family can respond to an emergency even in the absence of a family member. 28

First Aid and Handling Emergencies (contd. ) In order to be able to help during an emergency a First Aid Kit is required. First Aid Kits generally contain a set of bandages and medicines for providing first aid in emergency situations. It is advisable to stock First Aid Kits in homes, offices and cars too. A First Aid Kit should go into a sturdy container, preferably a container with a handle, which is fairly easy to open, allowing those who must handle an emergency to access all the necessary First Aid items. 29

Recommended Emergency Supplies Supply of prescription and other necessary medications. Flashlight with extra batteries. Portable, battery-powered radio for receiving emergency communications. Waterproof matches, and either long-burning candles or a kerosene type lamp with extra fuel, all properly stored. Fire extinguisher, ABC or dry-chemical type for all classes of fires. Check the expiration date and be sure you practice and know how to use it. Electrical fuses, if needed for your home. Rope ladder to hold your weight if you need to exit upper floors of your home to ground level, and some additional length of rope for multipurpose use. 30

Recommended Emergency Supplies (contd. ) First Aid instruction book. Blankets and sheets. These can be used for warmth, for splints and for transport of injured persons. First Aid supplies: Medical-grade vinyl gloves. Poison ivy relief cream. Burn relief cream. Sunscreen, SPF of 30 or greater. Antibiotic ointment, Polysporin® or similar. Sting relief lotion or ointment, calamine or similar. Box of sterile gauze pads, either 3”x 3” or 4”x 4” Abdominal (ABD) or combine sterile pad, 5”x 9” 31

Recommended Emergency Supplies (contd. ) First Aid supplies (contd. ): Rolled gauze of 2 sizes, 2”x 4 yards and 4”x 4 yards Bandages of assorted types: finger, knuckle, plastic and general adhesive. Sterile oval eye pad. Small sharp scissors. Tweezers with pointed tip. Thermometers, oral and rectal (for babies). Elastic bandage, 3”x 6” Instant ice pack Roll of adhesive tape, 1” wide, may use plastic type if 32 preferred.

Recommended Emergency Supplies (contd. ) First Aid supplies (contd. ): Triangular bandages , 2 Package of safety pins, assorted sizes. Absorbent cotton balls, 1 box. Diarrhea remedy. Sticks of finger splints. Antibacterial soap, liquid or bar. Medicine dropper. Water purification tablets. Small bottle of bleach. Sharp knife or multipurpose knife/tool 33

Recommended Emergency Supplies (contd. ) First Aid supplies (contd. ): Bottles of aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen ( children's or liquid if needed). Splint materials: thin boards 2 -3' long. Cough syrup and throat lozenges. Large plastic trash bag and several smaller, zip-closure bags. 34

Handling some Common Emergencies Nose Bleed • • • Lean forward, not back. Pinch the victim's nose just below the bony bridge. Hold the nose for atleast 5 minutes. Do not let go to check bleeding until the 5 minutes is up. After 5 minutes, release the pressure to see if the bleeding has stopped. If not repeat the previous step for 10 minutes. Repeat for another 10 minutes if necessary. If a nosebleed does not stop after the second or third try, see a doctor. Placing ice or a chemical cold pack over the bridge of the nose can constrict the blood vessels and help stop bleeding. Use this in addition to pressure. 35

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Nose Bleed (contd. ) After the bleeding is controlled, do not let the victim blow his/her nose as it will release the clots and encourage bleeding to start again. Most bloody noses are the result of dry nasal membranes or trauma. However, some nose bleeds occur spontaneously and may indicate more serious medical problems. Contact a physician if the victim is suffering from frequent or hard-to-control bleeding noses. Bloody noses after trauma to the head may indicate a brain injury – especially if the bleeding occurs without obvious facial injury, there is bright red or 36 squirting blood.

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Injuries and wounds If it's a deep (more than an inch) puncture wound on the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, or back or it's a deep puncture wound on an arm, above the elbow or a leg above the knee: Clean the wound with running water. Wash the skin around the injury with soap. Do not worry if the soap gets into the wound. Rinse the wound thoroughly to rid it of any dirt and soap. Tweezers can be used to remove particles. Use of hydrogen peroxide is neither necessary nor encouraged. 37

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Injuries and wounds (contd. ) Only cover the wound if it is likely to come in contact with clothing or dirt. Cuts less than 2 cm long can be held closed with butterfly bandages. If the edges of a laceration (cut) are not easily pulled together, then the wound may need stitches. Adhesive bandages are the easiest way to cover most minor lacerations and abrasions. 38

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Injuries and wounds (contd. ) Deep lacerations are those that extend into the tissues below the skin. If you can see layers of tissue along the sides of the laceration, it's pretty deep. Puncture wounds are harder to evaluate, and should be based on how long the offending object is. Seek medical attention if: It has been more than 5 years since the victim had a tetanus shot. It is a laceration with jagged edges or won't close. The wound is tender or numb. The wound is inflamed (swelling and redness). The wound is draining pus (yellowish, thick liquid). 39

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Burns destroy skin, which controls the amount of heat our bodies retain or release, holds in fluids, and protects us from infection. Minor burns on fingers and hands are usually not dangerous, burns injuring even relatively small areas of skin can develop serious complications. 40

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Do's and don'ts while suffering from burns Stop the burning process Cool the burned area with cool running for several minutes. Minor burns can be cooled under a tap in the sink. Bigger burns can be cooled by allowing the water from a hose run over the burned area for as long as you can. Avoid spraying severe burns with high pressure. 41

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Do's and don'ts while suffering from burns Look for blistering, sloughing or charred (blackened) skin. Blistering or sloughing (skin coming off) means the top layer of the skin is completely damaged and infections are likely. Minor burns with reddened skin and no blisters may be treated with a topical burn ointment or spray to reduce pain. Ointments should be water soluble. Cool water (not ice cold or warm) may also help with pain. Do not apply butter or oil to any burn as the oils will trap heat and make the burn deeper over time. 42

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Do's and don'ts while suffering from burns Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used for the pain of a mild burn (typically redness only). If stronger pain relief is needed, contact a physician or go to the emergency department. While the burn is healing, wear loose natural clothing like silks or light cotton. Harsher fabrics will irritate the skin more. Burns destroy the skin and the loss of skin can lead to infection, dehydration and hypothermia (loss of body heat). Ensure that the burn victims get emergency medical help if experiencing any of the following: Dizziness or confusion Weakness Fever or chills Shivering and cold sweats 43

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Choking If the baby can't cough or cry , then he or she is probably choking. If the baby is able to cough or cry and suddenly stops doing so and can't seem to breathe then the following needs to be done: Give 5 blows to the back Lay the baby face-down on your arm. Hold the baby's head with your hand to keep his or her neck straight. The baby's legs should be straddling your arm near the elbow. Lean the baby down at an angle. The infant's head should be lower than his/her waist. With the heel of your other hand, strike the baby 44 between the shoulder blades 5 times

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Choking (contd. ) Give 5 Chest Thrusts 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Roll the baby from one arm to the other so that he/she is now lying face up. Keep the head cradled in your hand the legs straddling your arm. Hold the baby at an angle with his/her head low and give 5 chest thrusts. Use two fingers on the breast bone right between the nipples. Push down about an inch 5 times. 45

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Choking (contd. ) Look in the Baby's Mouth If you see something in the baby's mouth then pull it out. Else keep your fingers out of the baby's mouth and repeat back blows and chest thrusts until the baby coughs up the objects. 46

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Splinters can become infected if left under the skin too long. Look for signs of infection before trying to remove a splinter. Redness Swelling Pus draining from the wound Severe pain even without movement 47

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Splinters (contd. ) If the splinter has become infected, see a doctor for removal. The chances of a splinter becoming infected depends on what the splinter is: organic material – like animal spines or plant thornsare more likely to cause infection or toxic reactions. Wash your hands thoroughly before attempting to remove the splinter. Before trying more invasive methods, squeeze the splinter from both sides and the bottom of the splinter to try and work it back the way it came. Clean a needle and a pair of tweezers with povidoneiodine solution. Do not use isopropyl alcohol unless that's all you have available. Povidone-iodine is much more effective at killing bacteria than isopropyl alcohol. 48

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Splinters (contd. ) Wash the wound and surrounding area with soap and warm water. A little povidone-iodine solution on the wound is a good option. Use the needle to open up the skin above the splinter enough to grab the splinter with the tweezers and remove it. If the needle doesn't work, a pair of nail clippers can be used on the skinremember to clean the nail clippers with povidone-iodine solution. Grasp the end of the splinter with the tweezers and back it out of the skin. Wash the wound with warm water and soap. Again, povidoneiodine solution is an excellent skin cleanser in this situation. Usually the pain of a splinter is more irritable than anything. However if the area is very tender, try a bee-sting swab to dull the pain. 49

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Splinters (contd. ) Splinters under a fingernail (subungal splinters) may present a bigger problem. It is advisable to see a doctor if the tip of the splinter cannot be reached with tweezers. A doctor will be able to snip away the nail and pull the splinter out The other option is to keep the are clean and wait until natural nail growth pushes the splinter out. Watch the area closely for signs of infection. Ensure the victim is up to date on tetanus vaccination. If not have the doctor remove the splinter when going in to get the vaccination. Finally. Splinters will work out of the skin naturally and may not need to be removed. There's no need to hurry- wait until the 50 proper cleanliness can be achieved to remove.

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Bee stings are least painful and can be deadly, depending on if the victim is allergic to the bee venom. The best way to reduce any reaction to bee venom is to remove the bee stinger as quickly as possible. If a bee sting victim has had any allergic reactions to bee stings in the past, consider the possibility of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction Hornets and wasps are related to bees and their venom often causes anaphylaxis in people allergic to bee venom Treatment of hornet and wasp stings is the same as for bees, except that hornets and wasps don't leave their stingers behind and each insect can sting multiple times. 51

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Bee stings (contd. ) Safety first Get away from the bee. Bees release a scent when in danger to attract other bees. If you are still around when reinforcements get there, they will sting you. Remove any stingers immediately Bee stingers can be removed by pulling them out with your fingers, brushing them off or getting them out anyway possible other than scraping them. The longer the bee stingers are allowed to remain in the body, the more severe the reaction will be. If the victim is allergic to bees, arrange for anti allergy treatment. 52

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Bee stings (contd. ) Remove any stingers immediately (contd. ) Do not wait for symptoms to appear. If there is any concern that the victim may be developing anaphylaxis, antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benedryl), can slow an anaphylactic reaction, but will not stop it. Watch any victim closely for signs of anaphylaxis which are: Itching Redness Hives (raised welts) 53 Shortness of breath

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Bee stings (contd. ) Non-allergic victims will almost always develop local reactions to bee stings. Redness, swelling, and pain are all common at the site of the bee sting. The pain will usually go away pretty quickly, but swelling may last for more than a day. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling at the site. In case of itching antihistamines or calamine lotion should help. Take the victim to the emergency department if the victim was stung more than 10 times, or if there are bee stings inside the nose, mouth or throat as swelling from these stings can cause shortness of breath even in non-allergic victims. Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for minor pain relief. For tenderness at the site, try a bee-sting swab to dull the pain An ice pack helps to reduce swelling. 54

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Bee stings (contd. ) An ice pack helps to reduce swelling. Put a cloth towel between the ice and the skin and do not let the ice stay for longer than 20 minutes. Letting the ice sit directly on the skin or keeping ice on too long can result in frostbite from the ice pack. Conventional wisdom says to scrape bee stingers away from the skin because pinching the venom sack could push extra venom into the victim. In fact, how fast you get the stinger out is much more important than how. 55

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Fractures and Sprains A broken (fractured) bone requires emergency care. Possibilities of a broken bone are: If your child heard or felt a bone snap. If your child has difficulty moving the injured part. If the injured part moves in an unnatural way or is very painful to touch A sprain occurs when the ligament, which hold bones together, are overstretched and partially torn. Simply overstretching any part of the musculature is called a strain. Sprains and strains generally cause swelling and pain and there may be bruises around the injured area. Most sprains, after proper medical evaluation, can be treated 56 at home.

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Fractures and Sprains (contd. ) For a Suspected Broken Bone: If the injury involves your child's neck or back, do not move him unless he is in imminent danger. Movement can cause serious nerve damage. Phone for emergency medical help In case the child has to be moved, the neck and back should be completely immobilized first. Keeping your child's head, neck, and back in alignment, move the child as a unit. If your child has an open break and there is severe bleeding, apply pressure on the bleeding area with a gauze pad or a clean piece of clothing. Do not wash the wound or try to push back the bone. 57

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Fractures and Sprains (contd. ) For a Suspected Broken Bone (contd. ): If your child must be moved, apply splints around the injured limb to prevent further injury. Leave the limb in the position you find it Splints can be made by using boards, brooms, a stack of newspapers, cardboard or anything firm, and can be padded with pillows , shirts, towels, or anything soft. Splints should be long enough to extend beyond the joints above and below the fracture. Place cold packs or a bag of ice wrapped in cloth on the injured area. Keep your child lying down until medical help arrives. 58

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Fractures and Sprains (contd. ) For a Suspected Sprain or Strain: If the injury involves your child's neck or back, do not move him unless he is in imminent danger. Movement can cause serious nerve damage. Phone for emergency medical help In case the child has to be moved, the neck and back should be completely immobilized first. Keeping your child's head, neck, and back in alignment, move the child as a unit. It may be difficult to tell the difference between a sprain and a break. If there is any doubt whatsoever, phone your doctor or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency department. 59 An X-ray can detect broken bones.

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Fractures and Sprains (contd. ) For a Suspected Sprain or Strain: First aid for sprains and strains includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Rest the injured part of the body. Apply ice packs or cold compresses for upto 10 -15 minutes at a time every few hours for the first 2 days to prevent swelling. Keep the injured part elevated above the level of the heart as much as possible to reduce swelling. Do not apply heat in any form for at least 24 hours. Heat increases swelling and pain. Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. 60

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries Head injuries fall into two categories: External injuries scalp injuries Internal injuries may involve the skull, blood vessels within the skull, or the brain Most childhood falls or blows to the head result in injury to the scalp only which is more frightening than threatening. An internal head injury could have more serious implications because it may result in bleeding or bruising of the brain 61

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) External (scalp) Injuries The scalp is rich with blood vessels, so even a minor cut there can bleed profusely. The “goose egg” or swelling that may appear after a head blow is the result of the scalp's veins leaking fluid or blood into (and under) the scalp. It may take days or even a week to disappear. 62

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) External (scalp) Injuries (contd. ) Call the doctor if your child is an infant: has lost consciousness, even momentarily: or if a child of any age has any of these symptoms: Won't stop crying Complains of head and neck pain Vomits repeatedly Difficult to awaken Becomes difficult to console Isn't walking normally 63

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) External (scalp) Injuries (contd. ) If your child is not an infant, has not lost consciousness, and is alert and behaving normally after the fall or blow: Apply an ice pack or instant cold pack to the injured area for 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours. If you use ice, always wrap it in a washcloth or sock; ice applied directly to bare skin cause cold injury to the skin. Observe your child carefully for the next 24 hours. If you notice any signs of internal injury, call your doctor immediately. If the incident has occurred close to bedtime or naptime and your child falls asleep soon afterward, check in once or twice for disturbances in colour or breathing. 64

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) External (scalp) Injuries (contd. ) If colour and breathing are normal, and you observe or sense no other abnormalities, let your child sleep (unless the doctor has advised otherwise). There is no need to keep a child awake after a head injury. If you are not comfortable with your child's appearance, rouse your child partially by sitting him or her up. Your child should fuss a bit and attempt to resettle. If he/she does not protest, try to awaken your child fully. If your child cannot be awakened or shows signs of internal injury, call the doctor or an ambulance. 65

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Suspected Internal Injury The brain is cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid, but a severe blow to the head may know the brain onto the side or tear blood vessels. Some internal head injuries-complications of a fractured skull, torn blood vessels, or damage to the brain itself- can be serious and possibly life threatening. 66

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Suspected Internal Injury (contd. ) Different levels of injury require different levels of concern. It can be difficult to determine the level of injury, so it is always wise to discuss a head injury with your doctor if your child shows any of these symptoms after a head injury: Unconsciousness for more than a few minutes. Abnormal breathing. Obvious serious wound. Bleeding or clear fluid from the nose, ear or mouth. Disturbance of speech or vision. Pupils of unequal size. Weakness or paralysis. Neck pain or stiffness. Seizure. 67

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Suspected Internal Injury (contd. ) If your child is unconscious Do not try to move your child in case there is a neck or spine injury. Call for help. Turn a child who is vomiting or having a seizure onto his or her side while trying to keep the head and neck straight. This will help prevent choking and provide protection in case of neck and spine injury 68

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Suspected Internal Injury (contd. ) If your child is conscious Do your best to keep your child calm and still. If there is bleeding, apply a clean or sterile bandage. Do not attempt to cleanse the wound, which may aggravate bleeding and /or cause serious complications if the skull is fractured. Do not apply direct pressure to the wound if you suspect the skull is fractured. Do not remove any object that is stuck in the wound. 69

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Concussions are also a type of internal head injury. A concussion is the temporary loss of normal brain function due to an injury. Repeated concussions can result in permanent injury to the brain. However, it is possible to get a concussion that is mild and does not result in long term damage. Kids commonly get concussions through sports, so make sure your child wears appropriate protective gear and do not let them continue to play if they have had a head injury. 70

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Concussions (contd. ) If your child sustains an injury to the head, watch for these signs of a possible concussion: “Seeing stars” and feeling dazed, dizzy or lightheaded. Memory loss, such as trouble remembering what happened right before and after the injury. Vomiting • Headaches • Blurred vision and sensitivity to light. • Slurred speech or saying things that do not make sense. • Difficulty concentrating, thinking or making decisions. • Difficulty with coordination or balance • Feeling anxious or irritable for no apparent reason. If you suspect a concussion, call your doctor for instructions. • 71

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Preventing Head Injuries Childproof your home to prevent household accidents. Ensure that kids always wear appropriate headgear and safety equipment when biking, in-line skating, skateboarding, snowboarding or skiing, and playing contact sports. Ensure that kids always use a seat belt or child safety seat. Ensure that your child takes it easy after a head injury, especially if there is a concussion. Ensure that your child does not go back to rough play or playing sports until the doctor gives approval as it can take longer time in case of a reinjury.

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Seizure is a general term that refers to a sudden malfunction in the brain that causes someone to collapse, convulse, or have another temporary disturbance of normal brain function, often with a loss or change in consciousness. Most seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain or by fainting. Symptoms may vary depending on the part of the brain involved, but often include unusual sensations, uncontrollable muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. Some seizures may be the result of other medical problems, such as low blood sugar, infection, a head injury, accidental poisoning, or drug overdose. They can be due to a brain tumor 73 or other health problem affecting the brain.

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Seizure (contd. ) Anything that results in a sudden lack of oxygen or a reduction in blood flow to the brain cause a seizure. In some cases, a seizure's cause is never discovered. When seizures occur more than once or over and over, it may indicate the ongoing condition epilepsy. Some kids under 5 years old have febrile seizures, which can occur when they develop a medium or high-fever- usually above 100. 4°F (38°C). While terrifying to parents, these seizures are usually brief and rarely cost any life-threatening, serious or long-term problems, unless the fever is associated with a serious infection, such as meningitis. 74

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Seizure (contd. ) In kids under 5 years old, breath-holding spells can cause seizures. These occur in kids who have an exaggerated reflex so that when they are hurt or emotionally upset they stop taking in a breath. Then they turn blue or very pale, often pass out, and might have a full convulsion like seizure in which the body is stiff and they are unconscious and not breathing. These spells usually stop on their own and the kids almost never suffer any harm from them. Call the doctor if such a spell occurs. In older kids, about 10% or more have standard fainting spells (syncope) which is often associated with a brief seizure or seizurelike spell. A child may stiffen or even twitch or convulse a few times. This rarely indicates epilepsy, Most kids recover quickly and do not 75 require specialized treatment.

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Aid for a Seizure A child who is having a seizure should be placed on the ground or floor in a safe area, preferably on his or her right side. Remove any nearby objects. Loosen any clothing around the head or neck. Do not try to wedge the child's mouth open or place an object between the teeth. Do not attempt to restrain movements Once the seizure seems to have ended, gently comfort and protect your child. It is best for kids to remain lying down until they have recovered fully and want to move around. 76

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Aid for a Seizure Get medical help immediately if your child: Has difficulty breathing. Turns bluish in colour. Has sustained a head injury. Seems ill. Has a known heart condition. Has never had a seizure before. Might have ingested any poisons, medications, etc 77

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Aid for a Seizure If your child has previously had seizures and if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or is for some reason very alarming get medical help immediately. If your child is breathing normally and the seizure lasts just a few minutes, you can wait until it lets up to call your doctor. Following the seizure, kids are often tired, confused or exhausted and may fall into a deep sleep (postictal period). You do not need to try to wake your child as long as he or she is breathing comfortably. Do not attempt to give food or drink until your child is awake and alert 78

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Head Injuries (contd. ) Aid for a Seizure For a child who has febrile seizures, the doctor may suggest giving fever-reducing medicine (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen), followed by a lukewarm sponge bath if medication does not bring the fever down. After a seizure- particularly if it is a first or unexplained seizure- call your doctor or emergency medical services for instructions. 79

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Eye Injuries to the eye are the most common preventable cause of blindness, so when in doubt, err on the side of caution and call your doctor for help. You can treat many minor eye irritations by flushing the eye with water, but more serious injuries require medical attention. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the eyelids to examine or flush the eye. Do not touch, press or rub the eye itself, and do whatever you can to keep your child from touching it. Do not try to remove any foreign body except by flushing, because of the risk of scratching the surface of the eye, especially the cornea. 80

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Eye Injuries (contd. ) Tilt the child's head over a basin or sink with the affected eye down and gently pull down the lower lid, encouraging the child to open his or her eyes as wide as possible. For an infant or small child, it is helpful to have a second person hold the child's eyes open while you flush. Gently pour a steady stream of lukewarm water from a pitcher or faucet over the eye. Flush for up to 15 minutes, checking the eye every 5 minutes to see if the foreign body has been flushed out. A particle can scratch the cornea and cause an infection, hence the eye should be examined by a doctor if there continues to be any irritation afterward. If a foreign body is not dislodged by flushing, it will probably be 81 necessary for a trained medical professional to flush the eye.

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Eye Injuries (contd. ) Embedded Foreign Body If an object, such as a piece of glass or metal, is sticking out of the eye, take the following steps: Call for emergency medical help or bring the child to the emergency room. Cover the affected eye with a small cup taped in place. The point is to keep all pressure off the eye. Keep your child and yourself as calm and comfortable as possible 82

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Eye Injuries (contd. ) Chemical Exposure Many chemicals including those found around the house can damage the eye. If your child gets a chemical in the eye and you know what it is, look on the product's container for an emergency number to call for instructions. Flush the eye with lukewarm water for 15 to 30 minutes. If both eyes are affected, flush them in the shower. Call for emergency medical help. Call your local poison control center for specific instructions. Be prepared to give the exact name of the chemical. Do not delay flushing the eye first. 83

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Eye Injuries (contd. ) Black Eye, Blunt Injury or Contusion A black eye is often a minor injury, but it can also appear when there is significant eye injury or head trauma. A visit to the doctor or an eye specialist may be required to rule out serious injury, particularly if you are not certain of the cause of the black eye. For a black eye: Apply cold compresses intermittently: 5 to 10 minutes on, 10 to 15 minutes off. If you use ice, make sure it is covered with a towel or sock to prevent the delicate skin on the eyelid. Use cold compresses for 24 to 48 hours, then switch to applying warm compresses intermittently. This will help the body reabsorb the leakage of blood and may help reduce discoloration 84

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Eye Injuries (contd. ) Black Eye, Blunt Injury or Contusion (contd. ) If the child is in pain, give acetaminophen- not aspirin or ibuprofen, which can increase bleeding. Prop the child's head with an extra pillow at night, and encourage him or her to sleep on an uninjured side of the face (pressure can increase swelling). Call your doctor who may recommend an in-depth evaluation to rule out damage to the eye. Call immediately if any of the following symptoms are noted: Increased redness Drainage from the eye Persistent eye pain Any changes in vision Any visible abnormality of the eyeball Visible bleeding on the white part of the eye, near the cornea 85

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Vomiting and Nausea Vomiting in children is caused by gastroenteritis, usually due to a virus infecting the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) also can cause nausea and diarrhea These infections do not last long. They are more disruptive than dangerous. Kids who cannot take in enough fluids and also have diarrhea could become dehydrated. Vomiting can be frightening and exhausting for children. Key for a quick recovery: Reassuring your child Preventing dehydration 86

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Vomiting and Nausea Over-the-counter medications to treat nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are not recommended for infants and children. Medication that doctors recommend are only available by prescription. Oral rehydration is something parents can do at home to help prevent dehydration or treat mild cases. Talk to your doctor if you feel your child is dehydrated, as you might be given alternate instructions on how to orally rehydrate your child. 87

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Vomiting and Nausea Oral Rehydration – For Infants Younger than 6 months Avoid giving plain water to an infant unless your doctor directly specifies an amount. Offer your baby small but frequent amounts about 2 -3 teaspoons , or up to ½ ounce of an oral electrolyte solution every 15 -20 minutes with a spoon or an oral syringe. Oral electrolyte solutions are balanced with salts to replace what is lost from vomiting or diarrhea, and they also contain some sugar. It is especially important for infants that any fluids given have the correct salt balance. Gradually increase the amount of solution you are giving if your infant is able to keep it down for more than a couple of hours without vomiting. 88

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Vomiting and Nausea (contd. ) Oral Rehydration – For Infants Younger than 6 months (contd. ) Do not give more solution at a time than your baby would normally eat as it will overfill an already irritated tummy and likely cause more vomiting. After your infant goes for more than about 8 hours without vomiting, reintroduce formula slowly if your infant is formula-fed. Start with small, more frequent feeds and slowly work up to the normal feeding routine. If your infant eats baby cereal, it is alright to start solid feedings in small amounts again. 89

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Vomiting and Nausea (contd. ) Oral Rehydration – For Infants Younger than 6 months (contd. ) If your infant is exclusively breastfeeding and vomits more than once, then breastfeed for a total of 5 -10 minutes every 2 hours. If your infant is still vomiting, call your doctor. After 8 hours without vomiting, you can resume breastfeeding normally. If your infant is under 2 months old and vomiting all feedings, call your doctor immediately. 90

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Vomiting and Nausea (contd. ) Oral Rehydration – For Infants 6 months to 1 year Avoid giving plain water to an infant unless your doctor directly specifies an amount. Give your baby small but frequent amounts – about 3 tsps or ½ ounce of an oral electrolyte solution every 15 -20 minutes. It is important that any fluids given have the correct salt balance. An infant over 6 months old may not appreciate the taste of unflavored oral electrolyte solution. Flavored solutions are available or you can add ½ tsp of juice to each feeding of unflavored oral electrolyte solutions. Frozen oral electrolyte solution pops are often appealing to infants which encourages the required slow intake of fluids. 91

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Vomiting and Nausea (contd. ) Oral Rehydration – For Infants 6 months to 1 year (contd. ) Gradually increase the amount of solution you are giving if your baby keeps it down for more than a couple of hours without vomiting. Do not give more solution at a time than your infant would normally eat as it will overfill an already irritated tummy and likely cause more vomiting. After you baby goes more than about 8 hours without vomiting, you can reintroduce formula slowly. Start with small, more frequent feedings and work up to the normal feeding routine. You can also begin giving small amounts of soft, bland foods that your infant is already familiar with such as bananas, cereals, crackers or other mild baby foods. 92 If your infant does not vomit for 24 hours, you can resume your normal feeding routine.

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Vomiting and Nausea (contd. ) Oral Rehydration – For Kids 1 year and older Give clear liquids in small amounts ranging from 2 tsps to 2 tbsps, or up to 1 ounce or 30 milliliters depending on how much your child can tolerate, every 15 minutes. Appropriate clear liquids include: Ice chips or sips of water Flavored oral electrolyte solutions, or add ½ tsp of nonacidic fruit juice to the oral electrolyte solution. Milk and milk products should be avoided. If your child vomits, start over with a smaller amount of fluid and continue as above. If there is no vomiting for approximately 8 hours, introduce bland, mild foods gradually. 93

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Vomiting and Nausea (contd. ) Oral Rehydration – For Kids 1 year and older (contd. ) Do not force any foods. Salt crackers, toast, broths or mild soups, mashed potatoes, rice and breads are all ok. If there is no vomiting for 24 hours, slowly resume the regular diet. Wait 2 -3 days before resuming milk products. The greatest risk of vomiting due to gastroenteritis is dehydration. Call your doctor if your child refuses fluids or if the vomiting continues after using the suggested rehydration methods 94

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Vomiting and Nausea (contd. ) Symptoms for Mild to Moderate Dehydration Dry mouth Few or no tears when crying Fussy behaviour in infants Fewer than 4 wet diapers per day in an infant No urination for 6 -8 hours in children Soft spot on an infant's head that looks flatter than usual or somewhat sunken 95

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Vomiting and Nausea (contd. ) Symptoms for Severe Dehydration Very dry mouth Dry, wrinkled or doughy skin Inactivity or decreased alertness Appears weak or limp Sunken eyes Sunken soft spot in an infant Excessive sleepiness or disorientation Deep, rapid breathing No urination for more than 6 -8 hours in infants No urination for more than 8 -10 hours in children Fast or weakened pulse 96

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Vomiting and Nausea (contd. ) These symptoms may indicate a condition more serious than gastroenteritis; contact your doctor right away Projectile or forceful vomiting in an infant, particularly a baby who is less than 3 months old. If your infant is under 2 months old and vomiting Vomiting after your baby has taken an oral electrolyte solution for close to 24 hours Vomiting starts again as soon as you try to resume your child's normal diet. Vomiting starts after a head injury Vomiting is accompanied by fever Vomiting of bright green or yellow-green fluid, blood, or vomit 97 resembling coffee grounds.

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Vomiting and Nausea (contd. ) These symptoms may indicate a condition more serious than gastroenteritis; contact your doctor right away Your child's belly feels hard, bloated, and painful between vomiting episodes Vomiting is accompanied by severe stomach pain Your child is lethargic Swelling, redness or pain in a boy's scrotum. Vomiting due to gastroenteritis can spread to others, so your child should be kept away from other children until there is no vomiting for at least 24 hours Hand washing done often and well is the best way to protect your family against many infections. 98

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Fevers Fever occurs when the body's internal “thermostat” raises the body temperature above its normal level. This thermostat is found in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus knows what temperature your body should be and will send messages to your body to keep it that away. Sometimes, the hypothalamus will “reset” the body to a higher temperature in response to an infection, illness, or some other cause. Researchers believe that it is the body's way of fighting the germs that cause infections and making the body a less comfortable place for them. 99

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Fever is not an illness. It is a symptom of an underlying problem. A few potential causes of fever are: Infection Most fevers are caused by infection or other illness. Fever helps the body fight infections by stimulating natural defense mechanisms. Overdressing Infants, especially newborns may get fevers if they are overbundled or in a hot environment, because they do not regulate their body temperature as well as older kids. Immunizations Babies and kids sometimes get a low-grade fever after they get vaccinated. Sometimes kids get low-grade fever even when they are teething 100

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Serious Fever Signs Doctors advise treating fever on the basis of temperature and a child's overall condition. Kids whose temperatures are lower than 102°F often do not require medication unless they are uncomfortable. An infant 3 months or younger with a rectal temperature of 100. 4°F or higher needs to be taken to a doctor immediately. Even a slight fever can be a sign of a potentially serious infections in very young infants. If the child is between 3 months and 3 years old and has a fever of 102. 2°F or higher, call the doctor For older kids, take behavior and activity level into account 101

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Serious Fever Signs Watch how the child behaves The illness is probably not serious if your child: Is still interested in playing Is eating and drinking well Is alert and smiling at you Has a normal skin color Looks well when his/her temperature comes down It is alright for a child with a fever to not want to eat. This is very common with infections that cause fever. For kids who still drink and urinate normally, not eating as much as usual is alright 102

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Ways to alleviate symptoms that often accompany a fever If your child is fussy or appears uncomfortable, you can give acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on the package recommendations for age or weight (unless instructed by a doctor) Infants under 2 months old should not be given any medication for fever without being evaluated by a doctor. It is best to use medication prescribed by the doctor. Fever medication will usually bring the temperature down but will not return it to normal or treat the underlying reason for the fever. Giving a sponge bath can make your child more comfortable and help bring the fever down. Use only lukewarm water; cool water may cause shivering, which also actually raises body temperature. Never use alcohol or ice packs/cold baths 103

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Ways to alleviate symptoms that often accompany a fever Dress your child in lightweight clothing and cover with a light sheet or blanket. Overdressing and overbundling can prevent body heat from escaping and can cause a temperature to rise. Make sure your child's bedroom is a comfortable temperature-not too hot or too cold Offer plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration Avoid drinks containing caffeine, including colas and 104 tea, because they can cause increased urination.

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Ways to alleviate symptoms that often accompany a fever If your child is vomiting and/or has diarrhea, ask the doctor if you should give an electrolyte solution made specially for kids Do not offer sports drinks. Limit your child's intake of fruits and apple juice. Let your child eat what he/she wants (in reasonable amounts) but do not force eating. Ensure your child gets enough rest. Keep the child away from other children 105

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Animal bites and scratches can lead to complications. In kids, the majority of animal bites are caused by dogs. Some bites can become infected due to the type of bacteria in the animal's mouth. Scratches and bites can carry diseases. A child whose tetanus shots are not up to date will need a tetanus injection after an animal bite to prevent tetanus infection. Animals such as bats, raccoons, and foxes can transmit rabies 106

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Aid for bites and scratches If the bite or scratch wound is bleeding , apply pressure to the area with a clean bandage or towel until the bleeding stops. If available use clean latex or rubber gloves to protect yourself and to prevent the wound from getting infected. If the wound is not bleeding heavily, clean the wound with soap and water, and hold it under running water for several minutes Do not apply an antiseptic or anything else to the wound Dry the wound and cover it with a sterile gauze or a clean cloth Call a doctor in case the bite or scratch has punctured the skin. A child who is bitten by an animal may need antibiotics, a tetanus booster or sometimes a series of rabies shots. 107

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Aid for bites and scratches (contd. ) Seek immediate medical care if: The wound won't stop bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure. The wound appears to be deep, or is associated with severe injuries. The attacking animal was stray or wild or behaving strangely. The bite or scratch becomes red, hot, swollen, or increasingly painful. If you own a pet, make sure it is properly immunized and licensed. 108

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Allergies and Anaphylaxis can trigger symptoms in any of these four body systems: Skin Gastrointestinal system Respiratory system Cardiovascular system An allergic reaction might be a medical emergency if it happens in two or more of these systems 109

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Allergies and Anaphylaxis (contd. ) The most common signs that someone might have anaphylaxis after exposure to an allergen are: Difficulty breathing Tightness in the throat or feeling like throat or airways are closing Hoarseness or trouble speaking Wheezing Nasal stuffiness or coughing Nausea, abdominal pain, or vomitting Fast heartbeat or pulse Skin itching, tingling, redness or swelling 110

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Allergies and Anaphylaxis (contd. ) Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment as it can get worse very quickly. Hence doctors advise people with life-threatening allergies to carry a medication called epinephrine Epinephrine enters the blood stream and works quickly against serious allergy symptoms. It decreases swelling. It raises blood pressure. Epinephrine is given as an injection. 111

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Ear Infections in Children Parents can often treat mild ear infection at home. More severe infections, or children under 2 years old, may need prescription medication. Call a doctor if: Your baby has symptoms of an ear infection and is younger than 6 months. Your child has symptoms of an ear infection along with a fever of 102 degrees or higher, inconsolable crying, severe pain or other symptoms. 112

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Diarrhoea Call a doctor immediately for diarrhoea: That lasts more than 3 days That happens after you eat seafood or mushrooms Accompanied by a fever With blood or dark stools With prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down With signs of severe dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness, fatigue, or 113 increased heart rate or breathing rate.

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Bacterial and Viral Rashes Many childhood diseases have bacterial or viral causes and include a rash of some type. As more vaccines become available, these diseases become less of a threat to your child's long-term health. A rash of any kind should be taken seriously and need to be evaluated by a doctor in some cases. 114

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Chickenpox (varicella) A virus called varicella- zoster causes this very contagious disease. It is not a serious disease. The symptoms last about 2 weeks. It can make the child very uncomfortable. A safe and effective vaccine is now available to children aged 1 year or older to prevent chickenpox. It takes 10 -20 days to develop chicken pox after being exposed to the virus via inhalation of infected droplets or contact with the lesions on an infected 115 person.

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Symptoms of Chickenpox (varicella) A very itchy rash, which first appears on the scalp, armpits, or groin area and progresses, in waves, to spread over the entire body The rash begins as an area of redness with a small, superficial blister in the center. The blister eventually ruptures and the lesion will form a crust Other associated symptoms include fever, malaise, sore throat and red eyes. Fever and malaise may precede the rash in some cases Chickenpox can occasionally affect the cornea. If your child develops chickenpox on the tip of the nose or in the eyes, see your doctor immediately. 116

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Treatment for Chickenpox (varicella) The virus is spread primarily from the nose and mouth of the child, but the rash itself is also contagious. The child remains contagious and cannot go to school/day care until the last lesion to appear fully crusts over. No therapy treats chicken pox once it has begun, but your doctor can provide prescriptions and advice to help with the discomfort and the itching. Never give aspirin to a child with chickenpox as it can lead to a deadly disease called Reye 117

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Measles A paramyxovirus causes the measles. A safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent this disease, but outbreaks in people who have not been adequately vaccinated still happen. Symptoms Nasal congestion, eye redness, swelling & tearing Cough, lethargy and high fever On the 3 rd or the 4 th day the child develops a red rash on the face, which spreads rapidly and lasts about 7 days Another rash, white spots on the gums in the mouth, may also develop 118

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Treatment for Measles Once the diseases begins, no medication treats measles. Your doctor may offer treatments to care for cough, eye symptoms, and fever. Aspirin and aspirin-like products cannot be used as they can cause a life-threatening condition called Reye syndrome. Some children develop secondary bacterial infections of the middle ear, sinuses, lung and lymph nodes which can be treated with antibiotics. Children who have measles appear quite ill and miserable, but the illness usually gets better without lasting ill effects within 7 -10 days after symptoms started. Recommended vaccinations should be given in order to prevent your child from measles 119

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Mouth Ulcers Try rinsing your mouth with a solution of ½ tsp salt dissolved in 8 ounces of water. Another mixture that may be helpful consists of 1 -2 tbsp of Maalox mixed with ½ tbsp of liquid diphenhydramine. Swish a teaspoonful in your mouth and spit it out. This can be done four times a day. Make sure you do not swallow the mixture, and be careful when you use this mixture with children as it could cause toxicity. There a number of over-the-counter medications that can be purchased to help alleviate the pain from the ulcer 120

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Heat Stroke It is the most serious form of heat injury. It is a medical emergency. In case of a heat stroke or sun stroke, it is advisable to call emergency and render first aid until paramedics arrive. Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. It mainly affects people over the age of 50 and healthy young athletes. 121

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Symptoms of Heat Stroke Core body temperature above 105° F Dizziness, light headedness and fainting Throbbing headache Lack of sweating despite the heat Red, hot and dry skin Muscle weakness or cramps Nausea or vomiting Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak Rapid, shallow breathing Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation or staggering Seizure and unconsciousness 122

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) First Aid for Heat Stroke Transport the person to a hospital. Any delay seeking medical help can be fatal. Initiate first aid while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. Move the person to an air-conditioned environment or a cool, shady area and remove any unnecessary clothing. Initiate first aid to cool the body temperature to 101°-102° F Fan air over the patient while wetting his/her skin with water from a sponge/garden hose. Apply ice packs to the patient's armpits, groin, neck and back. These areas are rich with blood vessels close to the skin, cooling them may reduce body temperature Immerse the patient in a shower or tub of cool water, or an ice bath 123

Handling some Common Emergencies (contd. ) Preventing Heat Stroke When the heat index is high, it is best to stay in an airconditioned environment. While going outdoors: • Wear lightweight, light-coloured , loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. • Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. • Drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration • Drink 24 ounces of fluid two hours before exercise, another 8 ounces right before exercise and 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes during exercise. • Monitor the color of your urine. Darker urine is a sign of dehydration. Ensure you drink enough fluids. • Avoid salt tablets and fluids containing caffeine or alcohol. 124

CPR- Cardio- Pulmanery Respiration Attempt to wake victim if the victim is not breathing. Begin chest compressions-If the victim is not breathing , place the heel of your hand in the middle of his chest. Put the other hand on top of the first with your fingers interlaced. Compress the chest at least 2”. Wait for a min. Compress the chest at the rate of at least 100 pushes per minute. Perform 30 compression - 18 seconds. Begin rescue breathing- If you a trained in CPR, after 30 compression, open the victim’s airway using the head tilt, chin lift method. Pinch the victim’s nose and make a seal over the victim’s mouth with yours. Use CPR mask if available/ Handkerchief. Give the victm a breath big enough to make chest rise. 125

CPR (Contd) Repeat chest compressions- Do 30 more chest compressions just like you did the first time. Repeat rescue breaths- Give 2 more breath just like you did in step 3. Keep Going- Repeat steps 4 & 5 for above 2 mins (about 5 cycles of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths) THANK YOU 126