Children ’s Health A safe home is a fun home, and a perfect place to prepare our kids for that big, wide world. has been known to cause birth defects in unborn children, so these droppings should be removed as soon and carefully as possible. • Keep all weed killers, fertilisers and garden products securely locked away. • Supervise trampoline and large toy use. What to do right away Head injury Little climbers and runners may likely come into heavy contact with the floor or furniture during playtime, so it is imperative to be familiar with the signs of moderate and serious head injuries and how to act accordingly. A head injury may be indicated by bruising, lumps or cuts to the head. Seek medical help if: • You child has fallen unconscious. • Your child has suffered a heavy fall, like from the high chair or car seat, or has been hit by another object, such as a fallen object from shelving or a bat. • Your child begins to vomit, experience confusion, a head or dizziness or seems unwell shortly after. • To treat minor head injuries • Apply ice to the area of injury to minimise swelling. • Clean all cuts adequately and bandage them, pressing hard on the area for around five minutes. • Monitor behaviour following the injury, watching for signs of drowsiness, irritability or mood swings. Swallowed poisons Not only the obvious cleaning products are dangerous to children. Chemicals, medicines and certain plants can be dangerous to our children’s health, and all households should keep such products out of reach and be prepared in the case of minor or major poisoning. Make sure you: • Dispose of all old or out-dated medications. • Always check the label of all medications for children. • Watch out for residue poisons around the house like the oven, water heaters, gas dryers, furnaces etc. Carbon monoxide is an odourless colourless gas that is produced from such appliances and is lethal for both adults and children. Signs of poisoning; • Difficulty breathing • Severe throat pain • Burns on lips or mouth • Convulsions • Dizziness • Vomiting • Unconsciousness • Extreme sleepiness What to do: • Stay calm! • Do not try to make your child vomit - this can often cause extreme burning or choking. • Call 000 if your child is unconscious or if certain the child has consumed something highly dangerous. • Remove and isolate the poison safely and immediately. In the cases of uncertainty, for example if the child has swallowed make-up or stale medication, call immediately the Poisons Information Centre 24 hour Advice Line on 13 11 26. Between four national offices located in Queensland, NSW, Western Australian and Victoria, there is a large team of thoroughly trained and knowledgeable poisons experts ready to advise both medical experts and the general public about the poisons that can be found in the home. Always be prepared It’s always better to be over prepared. Taking precautions such as programming all emergency and necessary support services into our home telephones and mobiles can make an enormous difference in the wake of an emergency. Keeping you and your partner and all members of the household informed about child safety, the potential risk at home, prevention, remedies and emergency procedures is extremely important in maintaining your home a ‘safe zone’. Reading current government and health organisation publications, attending child safety work shops and lectures, completing your First Aid Certificate and speaking with child health and safety professionals (local GP, local poisons centre, child safety product providers) are simple ways to be sure that your child is at lesser risk during play time, bath time and sleep time. It is also a good idea to make sure your babysitter and elected guardians are informed and equipped in the case of an emergency, and unsure they know where all the first aid resources, hotlines and emergency numbers are located, as well as having your own number and those of the neighbours. A safe home is a fun home, and a perfect place to prepare our kids for that big, wide world. pm Pindara M 56 agazine Summer | 2014/15
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Three
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