PLAYGROUND EMERGENCY
The following advice does not take the place of physical medical diagnosis and treatment. If an injury occurs, seek qualified medical attention as soon as possible.
- Dial 000 - Telephone for an Ambulance for transport to the nearest hospital
- If you are calling from a mobile dial 112
- First Aid at the scene can lessen pain and discomfort
- Encourage First Aid training and ongoing refresher courses for playground supervisors
- Have and maintain a First Aid kit
BLEEDING WOUND
- Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean or sterile bulky dressing and secure it with a firm bandage.
- Raise the injured part above the level of the child's heart.
- Keep the child at total rest and rest the injured area.
- Keep the dressing in place until medical attention is available.
- If foreign material is present, leave it in place and pad around it rather than over it.
- Do not try to clean any bleeding wound if prompt medical advice is available.
- If the child is clearly shocked or is very distressed, send for an ambulance.
SUSPECTED SPRAIN OR FRACTURE
- Immobilise and support the limb
- Calm the child
- Seek medical attention
INJURIES TO CHILDREN'S TEETH
Replace the tooth - act quickly:
- When teeth receive a heavy blow, contact the child's dentist immediately
- Even loosened teeth need prompt treatment - splinting may be required
- A tooth that has been completely dislodged can often be replaced
- Prompt action increases the likelihood of a successful re-implant
If an adult (permanent) tooth is knocked out:
- Handle the tooth by its crown - not its root
- Rinse tooth in saliva or milk - do not scrub
- Put tooth back in place and hold it there (check it's the correct way round)
- Contact the child's dentist immediately - time is critical
If a baby (deciduous) tooth is knocked out:
- Do not attempt to replace it
- Re-implanting a baby tooth could damage the forming permanent teeth
- Seek prompt help from a dentist for management of injury to lips or gums and to ensure no damage has occurred to any forming adult teeth
If you cannot replace the tooth in its socket:
- Contact the child's dentist immediately
Do not let the tooth dry out:
- store the tooth in milk (not water)
- or hold it in the mouth
- or wrap the tooth in plastic ('cling') wrap (not tissue) (in that order of preference)
NEEDLE STICK INJURY
What can be done?
- Educate children on the dangers of discarded syringes
- Develop a safety procedure for children if they find a syringe
The risk of contracting an infection from a needle stick injury in a public place is extremely small. There are no published accounts of HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection after a member of the general public has been injured by discarded injection equipment.
If you find a syringe and wish to dispose of it:
- Never attempt to recap the needle.
- If in a school or childcare situation, have someone on crowd control.
- Ensure the syringe is in full view. If the syringe is obscured by a bush, or is in a dark corner, use tongs or a stick to bring it into full view.
- If you don't have a sharps disposal bin available, find a rigid walled, puncture resistant sealable container large enough for syringes. Do not use a glass container, as it may smash. Do not use cardboard or aluminium cans, as needles can pierce these.
- If possible, wear latex or rubber gloves.
- Take the container over to the syringe and place container on the ground. Do not hold the container in your hands as you are disposing of the syringe.
- Pick up the syringe carefully by the middle of the barrel.
- Place the syringe into the container needle/sharp end first.
- Securely place the lid on the container, holding the container at the top.
- Wash your hands with running water and soap if available or use alcoholic swabs to cleanse your skin.
- If a needle stick injury has not occurred, the container can be placed in the domestic waste provided that the syringe has been placed in an appropriate container.
If a needle stick injury has occurred, do not dispose of the syringe, as it may be needed for testing. Contact your local hospital/community health centre or the Qld Clean Needle Help Line on 1800 633 353 for information.
If you are injured by a needle:
- Stay calm and encourage the wound to bleed (gently squeeze).
- Wash the area with cold running water and soap (if available).
- Apply an antiseptic and band-aid.
- As soon as possible contact your local doctor, hospital, or community health centre.
- Call the Qld Clean Needle Hotline 1800 633 353 for information or to report the injury.
If you don't wish to dispose of the syringe yourself:
- Keep children away from the site
- Contact:
- your local council
- Alcohol and Drug Information service - (07) 3236 2414 or 1800 177 833
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 20 October 2010 01:35 |