Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Handling Childhood Emergencies - part 2

When to call 911: Conditions that require immediate attention
Child is unconscious or is choking/turning blue or struggling to breathe
A seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes, or any seizure if your child has never had one before
Fall from a height of 10 feet or more, or if you child cannot move or talk following an injury.  In this case, it is important not to move your child - wait for an ambulance to arrive.
Injury to an arm or leg with: bone protruding through the skin, limb is awkwardly bent or child cannot move the injured extremity.
Burns that are blistered, severely swollen or appear white or charred; any electrical burn
Uncontrolled bleeding from a wound; animal bite from a potentially rabid animal or bite accompanied by difficulty breathing
Fever with a stiff neck (possible meningitis)
Unexplained rash accompanied by shortness of breath or chest tightness
Severe vomiting or diarrhea and dehydration -- signs may include no urine output for several hours, no tears when crying, skin or lips look purple

When to call your pediatrician or doctor's office:
Child has mild asthma symptoms (shortness of breath or wheezing)
Seizure that lasts less than five minutes, if the child has had previous seizures
Fall from a relatively short distance - off playground equipment or down a short flight of stairs; child is conscious and can move/walk
Swelling, tenderness and pain at the site of an injury, but child can still move injured part
Burns with slight swelling or redness
Cuts that are more superficial, but not bleeding profusely; cat or dog bites with minor bleeding and no other symptoms
Unexplained rash without other symptoms
Vomiting and diarrhea without obvious signs of dehydration

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