It can be scary and stressful. But it’s something that every parent is going to experience at one time or another. That is the kids being ill or having an accident. But there are somethings that you can do that make it easier to cope with, and ensure that the kids get the best possible care that they need. Read on to find out what they are.
Don’t panic
One of the biggest things that you can do for the health and wellbeing of your child when they are ill or have been injured is to not panic. Of course, it’s the first thing your mind and body want to do, because the thing that is most precious to you in the whole world is in danger.
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But by keeping a calm head, you will not only help keep your little ones calm but also maximise your chances of assessing the situation correctly. Thus helping your child to get the right treatment for them in the quickest way possible.
Do identify the seriousness of the problem
Sometimes it can be pretty tough as a parent to decide what is serious, and what isn’t when the kids are little. Of course it easier to think that everything is serious, and should be checked out straight away. But after a few emergency room visits where they don’t do anything, you may start to think that you are a little over precautious.
So how can you tell the difference between an emergency and something that you should just keep an eye on? Well, first of all, no one is going to know your child like you know them. So if you feel that there is something seriously wrong you should always follow up on this instinct.
Secondly, it’s a good idea to keep a thermometer in the house. Preferably an electric one that can be used in the ear to get an accurate temperature reading. Then, remember that if you child has a fever of 104 F or over, it needs further investigation by a medical professional.
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Thirdly, anything that is encumbering their breathing is likely to be something of an emergency. Particularly for small children. So asthma or chest infections need to get checked out the straight way. Remember too, that if they are having real trouble breathing or are turning an odd color take then straight to the memory room or call an ambulance.
Lastly, use common sense. Forget worrying about bothering the doctors, with your kid’s health is always better to be safe than sorry. So it’s common sense to get things that you are worried about sorted as soon as possible.
Don’t use the wrong service
If you have decided to seek professional medical help, it’s important to realise that there is not only one option for this that you can choose. For immediate emergencies like broken bones, cuts, or concussion it always best to go to the emergency room.
But for things that need attention, but not are an emergency, you can get immediate medical help by going to an urgent care centre instead.
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This is a particularly good idea because you probably won’t have to wait as long to be seen. It also frees up the medical staff in the ER to deal with the more serious cases of trauma. Not to mention that it may be a lot cheaper for you.
Do keep you child as comfortable as possible
When your little one is ill or has had an accident it important to keep them as comfortable as possible before they are being treated. This is partly because being ill or injured makes them feel vulnerable, and they have fewer resources than an adult to deal with this type of trauma.
It is also because the body has a distinct way of dealing with a serious health issue that includes going into shock. If you don’t keep your little one warm and comfortable, it can result in shock, which can further complete their condition.
Of course, comfort is not to be thought more of than safety, though. That is why it is essential to remember that if they have been in a fall, or accident that affects the head, neck, or back, it is best to not move them. So wait until the medical team arrives at the scene and let them do it to prevent further damage to these areas.
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Don’t use Dr Google
Who of us hasn’t Googled the odd symptom for ourselves, as well as when our kids are ill? But is this the best way to deal with the situation? Well, I do not deny it can be useful in some cases, as it can provide an emergency help for specific issues, such as tutorials on child CPR.
But if you are just looking for reassurance then this is something Dr Google can fail miserably. This is because so many illnesses have similar symptoms it can be impossible to tell a normal cold or flu apart from a much more serious condition. All this does is raises your stress level and makes you worry more about the health of your child.
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Instead of establishing the seriousness of their condition, rather than diagnosing, it is the best way to go. Then that should help you make sure that they will always get the help they need when they need it.
Do monitor their condition
Something else that it’s important to do, even when you child has been seen by a medical professional is to monitor their condition. This is because not all first diagnoses are accurate, and medical condition can, of course, get worse, as well as better.
So continue to keep an eye or their temperature and temperament, while administering the treatment. Then let the medical professionals know if your child’s condition deteriorates.
Remember too, that it is quite common for children to be allergic to some medications. But you won’t be aware of that because they have never had them before. So it’s a good idea to watch out for signs of this too. Such as rashes and vomiting where there was none before.