| My experience as an emergency and pediatric | | | | had a recent weight gain or loss. These are keys |
| nurse goes back some thirty years. It still | | | | to certain illnesses and help the team to decide |
| surprises me that parents, when under pressure, | | | | the severity of what is going on with this |
| really don't know their child like they think they do. | | | | emergency visit. |
| An accident or sudden illness adds further stress | | | | 4. Know when your child last had something to |
| to a parent so recalling valuable information for | | | | eat and drink. Also, know the quantity of the |
| the healthcare team in the emergency room can | | | | intake. This information seems petty unless you |
| be difficult. Here are 5 tips for parents so recalling | | | | understand that if your child is experiencing an |
| pertinent history is not overlooked. | | | | illness or injury that would require surgery, this |
| 1. Make a list of each of your childrens' daily | | | | information is vital. Surgery for a broken bone, for |
| medications and allergies. Use a 3x5 card and | | | | instance, might have to be postponed if your child |
| keep it tucked in your wallet for those | | | | just had a full meal. It is often 4 hours after a |
| emergency ER or doctor visits. It is so important | | | | meal before a surgeon feels comfortable taking a |
| for the healthcare team to have this information | | | | child to the operating room. |
| available immediately and your childs' records from | | | | 5. Know your childs' medical and surgical history. |
| the family doctor are not accessible after office | | | | Some children have an extensive medical history |
| hours. Having this information prevents your child | | | | so a written list is valuable for the emergency |
| from receiving a medication that may cause them | | | | team. If your child is fairly healthy, then a list of |
| a severe reaction. Keep in mind that food allergies | | | | normal childhood illnesses is important. Know if |
| and over the counter medicines should be included | | | | your child has had chicken pox or mumps, for |
| in that list. | | | | instance, or suffers from a chronic illness. Another |
| 2. Have a current immunization record for each of | | | | example is if your child has had an appendix |
| your children. Use that same 3x5 card and list the | | | | removed, then the emergency room team would |
| immunizations on the back or keep their shot | | | | need to look further if your child was experiencing |
| record (which is usually a small card) also in your | | | | belly pain. Report even simple operations like |
| wallet. Some parents I know have a 3 ring binder | | | | tubes in the ears or the removal of tonsils. All of |
| with a clear pocket folder for each child that they | | | | this information is valuable when the healthcare |
| bring with them to the Emergency room if | | | | team is trying to make a diagnosis. |
| needed. This is particularly helpful if the child has a | | | | Remember, emergencies happen and you may |
| extensive medical history or if you have several | | | | need to make an unplanned visit to a hospital |
| children. | | | | emergency room. Be prepared with the 5 pieces |
| 3. Know your childs' approximate current weight. | | | | of information I have listed and it will make your |
| Also note to the healthcare team if your child has | | | | childs' visit more beneficial for all concerned. |