Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

6 Medical Emergencies

Seizures – Infants and Children A seizure can also result from sudden high fever. This type of seizure is most common in infants and children age 6 months to 6 years. These are called febrile seizures . Febrile seizures usually have general tonic-clonic seizure activity and last less than a few minutes. There is a short postictal state or none at all after which the child may appear completely normal. Although a febrile seizure is not usually harmful, all children with febrile seizures need to be seen in a hospital and evaluated for the potential of other seizures and to rule out possible life threatening infection. The care for a child having a febrile seizure is the same as any person seizing.

Ensure scene safety. Protect the patient. Place the patient into the recovery position. Loosen clothing to make breathing easier. After the convulsions, assess ABCs and place the patient in the age appropriate recovery position. Seek medical care. A fever emergency can result when there is a sudden rise in body temperature. An infant/child with a temperature of 38°C or above may require first aid. Remember that persistent fever can lead to another seizure. Carefully monitor the ABCs, begin cooling measures with tepid (not cold) water, and seek prompt medical care.

Temp >38 C

183

www.preohs.com