Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Emergency Transportation
LIFE-THREATENING OR MAJOR EMERGENCIES--CALL YOUR RESCUE
SQUAD
- Definition of life-threatening or major emergency
These children might need resuscitation en route (for
example, coma, severe choking, not breathing, prolonged
seizure) or need splinting before transportation (for
example, major trauma or possible neck injury). These
can be looked on as 5-minute emergencies.
- Definition of rescue squad
These emergency vehicles are staffed by emergency
medical technicians or paramedics. They are often based
at local fire departments. They can usually be reached
by calling 911 or 0.
- Advantages of a rescue squad over most ambulance
services
Rescue squads always have personnel trained in
emergencies, respond more rapidly, and are free.
NON-LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES
Drive to the nearest hospital offering emergency services.
Try to call first.
- Definition of non-life-threatening emergencies
These children need to be seen as quickly as possible
but their condition is currently stable. Examples are
poisonings, slow bleeding controlled by pressure, severe
pain, and seizures that have stopped. These can be
looked on as 20-minute emergencies.
- Advantage of a car over an ambulance
A private car is quicker and less expensive than an
ambulance.
- Driving in to seek emergency care
Don't leave until you know the exact location of the
hospital you will be going to. Keep your sick child in
a car safety seat or, if he must lie down, in the back
seat. Try to have a neighbor accompany you. Drive
carefully.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM
- your child's immunization record
- your health insurance card
- your pharmacy's telephone number
- any medicines your child is taking (or a list of drugs
and dosages)
- your child's security object or favorite toy
- if your child has been poisoned, the poison or its
container
- if your child has passed blood in the urine, stool, or
vomited material, a sample for testing
- if your child has painful urination, a urine sample.
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Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
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Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems
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