Need a certification?
We want you to feel confident that you're receiving the best training, so Anaphylaxis Awareness Level 2 (VTQ) is fully available for preview below. If you're in need of a certificate of completion for work, create your account today to track your progress.
When you're dealing with an anaphylactic emergency on a child or an adult, the actual treatment is the same. However, when you're dealing with a child there's a lot of other things you need to think about. These can include that the child is going to be very scared. It may be that they've had an anaphylactic reaction before, and now they're really worried because they know what it's like. So you have to try and educate them the best you can, and guide them through using their auto-injector as quickly as possible. The quicker the drug is injected into the child, the quicker the problem will go away. The child will know this. You need to encourage them to inject themselves without delay to make themselves feel better. The child may be scared about putting the needle in. But again, just try and tell them that the drug will help them and it will make them feel better very quickly. So you may just need to help them and guide them through giving them the best advice on delivering the drug. There are other things that need to be taken into account when working with children. These may be written policies from the employer, duty of care, you may need to have a signature from the parent who could possibly allow you to administer the drug to the child should there be an emergency. There will also be other records that you need to keep: Which child in school or a play centre has anaphylaxis, what their drug is, where the drug's kept, what the prescription is, how it's delivered, do they need one or two auto-injectors? Also, where their particular auto-injector is stored? Do the children carry it with them to the lessons? Or is it stored centrally? All this type of record-keeping will be planned out by your employer so it's important to go back to the employer and find out exactly what their policies are in relation to the storage of anaphylactic medication and also what treatment policies are. The first aid will be the same. Activate the emergency services, and they need to have their drug, but there will be other policies you need to consider from one workplace to another. If you're working with children on a day-to-day basis, the most important thing you can do is talk to the parents. The parents will be able to give you all the guidance you need for their child. So when you're talking to the parents, make sure you understand what they are like and also ask them if they've had an anaphylactic problem in the past. How did they handle it? It may be that the parent turns around and says that they're very adult about it and they just get their auto-injector out and deliver the drug. Others may say that they get very upset, scared, and cried. So at least you'll now have a warning what that child will be like. Now, as somebody looking after children, it may well be that you have quite a few children, so make sure that you keep the records and keep them up to date and also, talk to the children themselves. They will be able to help you as well. Make sure you understand developments with their treatment. Just keep reminding them where their drugs and treatments are, so at least you know where they are and also, you're communicating and the child knows how important it is, and shows that you do care for them. An anaphylactic emergency that has happened in the workplace would be recorded in the accident book. You do need to make sure that the correct accident records are kept. This would be the standard accident book in your workplace. You would document who has had the problem. You would also write down in the book what treatment they've had and who put the information in there. You'd also need to follow general policies within your company. If you're unsure about this, talk to your manager. You may need to keep records of medications. There may be a separate medications record of who has them and what medication they have. Also, if you deliver any medications, you may need to record this separately.
Managing Anaphylactic Emergencies in Children
Treatment Universality
Consistent Treatment Approach:
For anaphylactic emergencies in both children and adults, the treatment remains the same. However, considerations differ when dealing with children.
Addressing Child's Fear
Guiding a Frightened Child:
Children experiencing anaphylaxis may be particularly scared, especially if they've encountered such a reaction before. It's crucial to swiftly guide them in using their auto-injector to expedite relief. Encourage them to self-administer to alleviate their distress as they understand the medication's rapid effectiveness.
Dealing with Needle Apprehension
Easing Needle Fears:
Some children may fear the needle's insertion, but reassure them that the medication will swiftly provide relief. Help them understand that it's for their well-being.
Considerations When Working with Children
Special Factors:
Working with children in an anaphylaxis emergency entails various considerations:
- Employer's Written Policies
- Duty of Care
- Parental Consent
Record-Keeping
Maintaining Comprehensive Records:
Record essential information, including:
- Children's Names
- Prescribed Medication
- Medication Storage
- Prescription Details
- Delivery Method
- Number of Auto-Injectors
- Carry or Storage Location
Varied Workplace Policies
Adherence to Workplace-Specific Policies:
First aid procedures remain consistent, but be aware of varying workplace policies related to anaphylactic medication storage and treatment. Consult your employer's guidelines for clarity.
Communication with Parents or Guardians
Essential Parental Dialogue:
For daily childcare providers, open communication with parents or guardians is vital. Gather insights on the child's history, how they handle anaphylactic situations, and whether they are calm or anxious during administration. The more information you have, the better you can provide care.
Keeping Records Up-to-Date
Maintaining Accurate Records:
As a caregiver for multiple children, ensure records are regularly updated to reflect any changes in their treatment. Ongoing communication with the children is key to reinforcing the importance of medication and treatment awareness.