I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes five years ago, and I've had to make considerable changes to my lifestyle to maintain my health since I was diagnosed. I started this blog to share my experience of coming to terms with having type 2 diabetes and what I've learned on my personal journey. I share details of the lifestyle changes I've made, including giving up smoking and eating more wholefoods, and my personal experience of using alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. I also post about new treatments that are becoming available for type 2 diabetes. I hope you find my blog useful and informative.
They As a parent or caregiver, you're probably more than aware of how worrying it is when a child has an accident or illness. Depending on the severity of the situation, that fever or fall could warrant self-care. Or, it may require a trip to the emergency department. Knowing more about the first aid measures you can provide at home will help you decide whether an ED trip is necessary.
Fevers
In most cases, a child's fever doesn't require an ED visit. Your child has a fever if their temperature reaches 37.4 degrees Celsius or above. In most cases, you can address the issue with a combination of liquid paracetamol, hydrating them, and removing their clothes. Avoid placing your child under cold water as doing so confuses their internal temperature regulation and worsens the problem.
If your child's fever doesn't settle despite giving liquid paracetamol, seek medical advice. If it is above 39 degrees, or 38 degrees and they are under six months old, visit the ED.
Falls
As adventurous creatures, children fall over regularly. In most cases, a child's fall doesn't mean they need to visit the ED; even if they hit their head. There are some circumstances, however, where you should seek prompt medical attention:
When a child does fall and injure themselves, you can try to treat it yourself using rest, ice, and elevation. Elevate the limb to above heart level to encourage blood to flow away from the injury. Add ice for periods of 10 minutes at a time to reduce vasodilation and limit the swelling. If they complain of pain, liquid paracetamol is appropriate.
If you'd prefer to be more prepared for injuries, services like Hitaid003 provide first aid to those who need it for occupational and personal reasons. Seeking out a paediatric first aid training course allows you to equip yourself with the skills you need to make sensible decisions. Alongside addressing injuries and fevers, you can learn about how to manage choking and allergic reactions.
With the right training and knowledge, avoiding an unnecessary ED department trip becomes easier. At the same time, you'll gather the skills you need to act promptly if the time to do so comes.
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