TACKLING MEDICAL EMERGENCIES IN PEDOPATIENTS

[Drsumitra]

Though not a very common sighting unless the patient has a relevant medical history, very rarely one is faced with such emergencies, but we can tackle it by keeping some things in mind
The ABCD of handling such cases is as follows::

A-Airway maintenance can be carried out with the help of a simple HEAD TILT CHIN LIFT maneuver.The tongue has a tendency to fall back and block away the airway and so this method is helpful.
B-Breathing is normal should be checked and this can be done by use of an AMBU bag.Breathing is also assessed by the LOOK LISTEN AND FEEL technique.
C-Circulation can be checked by checking for pulse on the carotid artery.In case of failure to get a pulse one may have to make use of chest compression technique.at 80 compressions per minute

D-Definitive therapy involves administering drugs and getting emergency medical care.

        

[Drsumitra]

1)IN case of airway obstruction clearing the airway is of utmost importance to keep the airway clear and patent.If the child finds it unable to cough which is essential in case of lodged foreign body, the child should be put in lateral position and thumped on the back to cough out.One can also use the HEIMLINCH s maneuver to dislodge the choked object

2)Anaphylactic shock can be dealt with by immediate administering 0.15 ml 1:1000 adrnl im or sc.Monitor vital signs and maintain airway,breathing and circulation

3) Acute asthmatic attack can be dealt with by administering 2 puffs of a bronchodilator like albuterol through an inhaler.If no improvement follows then one can administer 1:1000 adrnl o.15ml im or sc.

4)In case of Hypoglycaemic attack oral carbohydrate is given if child is conscious one can also administer 1mg glucagon im..If trained one can also give 50%dextrose iv

        

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