How to Help Your Kid Prepare for a Medical Emergency at School
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
As parents and children prepare to head back to school, including preparation for medical emergencies is a key part of that.
Whether or not your kid has a medical condition such as diabetes or allergies, it’s important to ensure kids know what to do in case of an emergency.
Children who have health conditions
About one in five children have a medical condition that requires ongoing care, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. These conditions include diabetes, allergies, seizures and mental health concerns, which can have flare ups even when under control.
If your child has diabetes, allergies, seizures or another serious medical condition, first work with their pediatrician or primary care provider (PCP) to create a medical response plan. Health care providers should have access to templates for such plans. This plan should include:
- Signs and symptoms of health condition
- List of medication, including doses and frequency
- List of durable medical equipment
- Allergies and dietary restrictions
- Emergency contacts
- PCP contact information
- Emergency treatment plan, including when to call 911
Talk over the plan with the child in an age-appropriate way, and make sure they keep a physical copy of the medical response plan and any medications with them. Allow them to ask questions and ensure they understand their symptoms and what to do when they start to feel them, including when to take medication and who to alert. Getting help as quickly as possible can lead to better health outcomes.
At the start of the school year, talk to the child’s teacher and staff at the school to share the information. Find out if the school has a nurse or other health professional who can administer care and medications, and introduce the child to the health care professional if possible to build familiarity and comfort. You can also find out what the school’s medical response plan is.
An emergency alert necklace or bracelet that alerts others to the condition and can provide contact may also provide peace of mind to both parents and children.
Dealing with injuries at school
As many as 25% of injuries children deal with happen at school, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. From cuts and bruises to sprained ankles and broken bones, accidents happen.
Teach kids to notify their teachers or an adult if they experience the following symptoms or see them in another person:
- Difficulty breathing or hyperventilating
- Uncontrollable coughing
- Swelling in the tongue, face or neck
- Choking
- Bleeding
- Feeling faint or loss of consciousness
- A seizure
- Chest pain
- Intense pain anywhere in the body
- Vomiting
For teens, especially those playing sports, talk over the symptoms of concussions. Signs to watch for include:
- Sensitivity to light and/or noise
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dazed thoughts and feelings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irritability and anxiety
- Loss of balance
- Inability to focus
Consider signing up teenagers for an emergency medical course to learn CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and basic first aid. Children as young as 9 years old can learn how to perform CPR, according to the American Heart Association.
Talking to children about medical emergencies could save a life. This isn’t a one-time conversation; safety is ongoing and changing, especially with chronic conditions or new injuries. These conversations can be scary, and let your child know it’s OK to have fear or nerves and that it’s OK to ask questions.
If your child experiences or sees a medical emergency at school, talk to them about it afterward and validate their feelings. In time, talk about what they learned and what they can do if it happens again.
Image: Getty Images
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