Ashanti Woods, M.D., FAAP, specializing in General Pediatrics at Mercy Family Care Physicians in Baltimore, Maryland, recently responded to questions from Care.com for a story looking at critical/emergency care preparedness for children. Here are his thoughts:
1. Why is a detailed emergency preparedness plan essential for every nanny and daycare provider, regardless of perceived risk?
Being prepared for a potential emergency is always a good idea for anyone taking care of children. This includes knowing where supplies is located in one’s household or classroom, where medications are kept, what the important telephone numbers should be called, and location of local emergency departments or urgent care centers (while on vacation, for example). Medical facilities including doctors’ offices and emergency departments even have emergency plans with routine drills which should further highlight the importance of having a plan and possibly even running thru various scenarios with babysitters or grandparents.
2. What are the most critical medical details about a child that should be immediately accessible in any emergency situation?
Any past medical history (asthma, seizures, etc), any medications the child is on and/or any allergies to foods or medicines the child may have. It is also helpful to know a ballpark weight for the child.
3. In your professional experience, what are the top emergency scenarios childcare providers should be prepared for?
Asthma attack, seizures, choking, ingestion of adult medication, foreign body into nose or ear, allergic reaction (rash), anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction with throat closing), head injury after fall/concussion, and dental trauma
4. How can childcare providers effectively communicate with parents during a stressful emergency situation?
During an emergency, everyone is likely to be a little rattled/freaking-out. The parent is already nervous when receiving a call (before picking up), so a childcare provider should be able to communicate accurate information clearly, starting with if the child is ok or not ok. Parents want to know if their child is breathing and awake first. Often, childcare providers start with the story and then get to the child – start with child’s condition – “Billy’s ok but he swallowed a quarter and we’re headed to the Urgent Care – can you meet us there?” “Vanessa is having a seizure, I called 911 and they are on the way, I wanted you to know. We gave her seizure stop nasal spray and we’re waiting for it to kick in. I will stay on the phone with you until they get here and tell you what ER they are taking us to.”
5. What are the most important items to include in a comprehensive first-aid kit for a childcare setting, and how often should it be updated?
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Motrin (Ibuprofen), Bacitracin cream (for cuts and scrapes), disposable gloves, ace wrap, tweezers, scissors, elastic bandages (band aids), gauze. Check every 6 months.
6. What are the key warning signs of a serious medical emergency that childcare providers must recognize?
Lethargic child, unresponsive child (not alert or answering their name), inconsolable/fussy child out of the norm of their usual disposition or a child breathing too fast for a long period of time (5 - 10 minutes or longer).
7. Are there resources or training programs you recommend for childcare providers to improve their emergency preparedness skills?
First aid training and choking training.
8. Is there anything else you'd add on how to prepare a child care emergency plan?
School age children should be taught how to recognize signs of emergency in adult (stroke, heart attack) – how to get help and/or how to use phone.
Dr. Ashanti Woods serves as a pediatric medical consultant for a variety of children’s medical and lifestyle topics for local television stations, newspapers, national magazines, blogs and blog talk radio. Dr. Woods has written a variety of clinical publications and presentations while earning numerous awards for outstanding medical care, including:
- "Top Doctor" in the General Pediatrics category - Baltimore magazine
- G. Bowers Mansdorfer Award for Primary Care - Mercy Medical Center
- Primary Care Pediatrician Award - University of Maryland Ambulatory Center
Dr. Woods participates in the community to prevent or solve problems in child and adolescent health care. He is an active volunteer and speaker in the Baltimore community.
