Whether you’re a nanny, au pair, babysitter, childminder, or in any other child-related profession, you need to know what to do in these emergency situations!
☆ Burns
For minor burns, cool the burn under running water for at least 10 minutes, cover it with a clean, non-stick bandage, and avoid applying ice or ointments. For more severe burns, such as second- and third-degree burns, seek emergency medical care immediately.
☆ Severe Bleeding
If a child is bleeding heavily, the priority is to stop the blood from coming out! It is
never a priority to wash an injury, it will be cleaned in hospital.Apply direct pressure to control the bleeding and elevating the wound can help to slow the flow of blood.
☆ Choking
Whether it’s food, toys, or small objects, every second matters and nannies must know how to act instantly.
For infants under a year old, alternate five back blows with five chest thrusts.
For older children, the Heimlich maneuver is recommended.
☆ Asthma
Asthma attacks are a common respiratory emergency in children, characterized by symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Nannies must know how to use an inhaler correctly and recognize when the symptoms are severe enough to require emergency help.
☆ Button battery ingestion
If you even suspect a child may have swallowed a button battery, time is critical and the child needs medical attention as fast as possible. If you can, call Poison Control while you’re on the way to the hospital and give the child a teaspoon of honey every 10 minutes on your way to the hospital. It’ll coat their esophagus and the battery, and can protect against some injury.
☆ Toxic ingestion
If a child ingests harmful substances:
Call poison control immediately.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed.
Keep the substance container nearby for reference.
☆ Allergic reactions
Food allergies, insect stings, and environmental allergens can provoke rapid reactions. Nannies must know how to identify symptoms of anaphylaxis (swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing, rash or hives) and administer an epinephrine auto-injector.
☆ Head injuries
The most common symptoms children may experience after a head injury are headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and sensitivity to light or noise.
Symptoms that need immediate medical attention include loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, confusion, or seizures. Any head injury with these symptoms should be checked in a pediatric emergency room to rule out serious brain injury.
☆ Seizure
If the child experiences a febrile seizure, remain calm and ensure their safety. Place the child on their side to prevent choking and remove any nearby objects that could cause injury. Do not restrain movements or put anything in their mouth.
☆ Dehydration
Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, lethargy, reduced urine output, and sunken eyes. In infants, a lack of tears when crying and a sunken soft spot on the head can also indicate dehydration. Ensure the child drinks plenty of fluids, especially during hot weather or when they are ill.
#nannies are you currently #cpr and #firstaid certified?”
Have you ever experienced an emergency while nannying? What did you do?
