First Aid Response in Schools
With cuts in school funding , there is a squeeze on money for school nurses. We hear from many schools needing more information about providing emergency care for children.
The three main areas of concern are: Epipens, anaphylaxis and seizures.
Read on for our first aid tips to respond promptly to any of these emergency situations in schools.
How to Treat Anaphylaxis
One in five fatal food-allergic reactions happen at school. Schools can now purchase emergency auto-injector treatment for anaphylaxis.This is a back up auto-injector for any child in their care who have been prescribed these devices for anaphylaxis. Although not compulsory, many schools welcomed this change as part of their duty of care to children at risk of anaphylaxis.
Acute allergic reactions can be life threatening. It is crucially important you recognise the problem and know what to do quickly to save a child’s life.
Avoid any known allergens. For mild allergic reactions, an antihistamine tablet or syrup can be effective but takes at least 15 minutes to work.
If you are concerned that the reaction could be systemic (all over) and life threatening, use an adrenaline auto-injector immediately. It is far better to give adrenaline and not to have needed it, than to give it too late.
Adrenaline acts quickly to constrict blood vessels, relax smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, stimulate the heartbeat and help to stop swelling around the face and lips.
You should administer the injector, or help the sufferer to administer it themselves, as quickly as possible. Then call for an ambulance stating clearly that the person is having an acute anaphylactic reaction.
Adrenaline should rapidly treat the most dangerous symptoms of anaphylaxis, including throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure.
However they are likely to need additional medication in hospital to control the reaction.
Adrenaline is metabolised very quickly – it is very important you call an ambulance as soon as an auto-injector has been given as its effects can wear off within about 15 minutes.
Give another injector 5-15 minutes after the first if necessary.
Phone for an ambulance
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Seizures
It is quite common for babies and young children to experience febrile convulsions. These are seizures caused by a rising temperature when they are unwell. Seizures are extremely frightening, however these ones are rarely life threatening. Your child is likely to grow out of them by the time they are about 5 years old.
Children may also have a diagnosis of Epilepsy and they may have specific medication to control their seizures. They may also have additional medication to be used if a seizure continues for more than 5 minutes. Specific training is needed if staff are expected to administer this medication.
Help for a generalised seizure:
Make sure they are safe, ease them to the ground if they are on a chair.
Protect their head without restraining them.
Make a note of the time that the seizure started and of the different phases. Be as detailed as you can. This is extremely useful to the medical team when investigating causes and instigating treatment.
Loosen any tight clothes.
Remove any objects against which they could hurt themselves.
Advise another member of staff to remove other children from the area. Shield the casualty from prying eyes to preserve their dignity.
Once the seizure has stopped, check the airway and breathing. Place in the recovery position if unresponsive.
Stay with them and talk to them reassuringly throughout the seizure
Seizures can be frightening to observe and distressing for the person experiencing them too. Ensure all those involved are okay. Additional sensitivity may be required to ensure the child who has experienced the seizure does not feel awkward amongst their peers.
Phone for an ambulance:
- If it is their first seizure,
- Should the seizure lasts for more 5 minutes
- When there is another seizure straight after
- In case of injury
- Where there is a history of seizures and this one is different
- If you are at all worried
- When they are unresponsive for more than 5 minutes after the seizure
- Never put your fingers or anything in their mouth to try to prevent them biting their tongue; this will cause serious injury
- Unless they are in immediate danger, do not try and move them
- Do not restrain their movements whilst they are fitting
- Give nothing to eat and drink until fully recovered
- Never try and ‘bring them round’
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