Emergencies on the magic school bus!

Emergencies on the Magic School Bus!

Robert S. ColeAda County Paramedics

[email protected]

Some of this stuff is simple, until you need it!

#1: Take a class

#2: know when you should call for help!

When will you call for help?Call EMS if:

Mental Status:• The child is unconscious, semi-conscious or unusually confused/agitated. • The child has a seizure for the first time or a seizure that lasts more than five minutes. Airway• The child’s airway is blocked. • The child is making funny sounds while breathingBreathing• The child is not breathing. • The child is having difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or is choking. • The child is coughing up or vomiting blood. Circulation• The child has no pulse. • The child has bleeding that won’t stop with simple measures.Other Emergencies • The child has been poisoned (any type). • The Child is having an Allergic Reaction (any type, including recreational)• The child has injuries to the neck or back. • The child’s condition is limb-threatening (for example, severe eye injuries, • amputations or other injuries that may leave the child permanently disabled • unless he/she receives immediate care). • The child has low blood sugar and cannot feed himself. • The child’s condition could worsen or become life-threatening on the way to the hospital. • Moving the child could cause further injury. • The child needs the skills or equipment of paramedics or emergency medical technicians.

If any of the above conditions exist, or if you are not sure, it is best to call

Mental Status:Mental Status:• The child is unconscious, semi-conscious or

unusually confused/agitated. • The child has a seizure for the first time or a

seizure that lasts more than five minutes. • You can’t wake the child up.

AirwayAirway• The child’s airway is blocked. • The child is making funny sounds while

breathing• Child is turning blue…

CirculationCirculation• The child has no pulse. • The child has bleeding that won’t stop with

simple measures.

CirculationCirculation• The child has no pulse. –> CPR and AED!• The child has bleeding that won’t stop with

simple measures.

Other Emergencies

• The child has been poisoned (any type, including recreational).

Other Emergencies • The Child is having an Allergic Reaction (any

type)• Any adverse medication reaction

Other Emergencies • The child has low blood sugar and cannot feed

himself. • The child has injuries to the neck or back. • The child’s condition is limb-threatening (for

example, severe eye injuries, amputations or other injuries that may leave the child permanently disabled unless he/she receives immediate care).

• The child’s condition could worsen or become life-threatening on the way to the hospital.

• Moving the child could cause further injury. • The child needs the skills or equipment of

paramedics or emergency medical technicians.

Big Pitfalls!

Don’t be afraid to….

Don’t be afraid to….

Don’t be afraid to….

Don’t be afraid to….

Do not…

Don’t be afraid to let a child eat or drink on his own, but don’t try to feed him. If he cant do it himself, he may choke.

Do not…

Never attempt to give a child his insulin. Most diabetic “emergencies” encountered by a bus driver are actually sugar (hypoglycemic) problems, not insulin (hyperglycemic) issues. Not all injections are insulin however.

Don’t be afraid to HELP!

#3: Have a plan

Plan: How will you communicate?

What is your back up method?

Plan: How will you communicate?

Plan: WHAT will you communicate?

Plan: WHO will you communicate too?

Contact State-Comm at 208-846-7610

Plan: Be careful when communicating

Plan: Student Information

Privacy laws do not apply in a medical emergency

#4: Pull over somewhere safe

Think about patient access…

#5: Know your location

#6: Be safe

Be Safe: Vest

Be Safe: Gloves

Be Safe: Mask