RECOGNITION They may feel nauseous, dizzy and weak

1. FAINTING Children are particularly susceptible to fainting. Fainting, is due to a temporary lack of blood supply to the brain. Recovery is generally quick and no harm will come to your casualty with some very simple prompt treatment RECOGNITION • They may feel nauseous, dizzy and weak • They will have a pale complexion, possibly sweating • Their pulse will be slower than normal • They may go into unconsciousness briefly. TREATMENT • Help the child to the floor if possible • Lay them on their back • Raise the legs to a position above the heart and support • If it is warm, allow fresh air in and cool them down • Check the airway and ensurethey are still breathing normally • Loosen any tight clothing • Keep talking to them andreassure them throughout.

2. FEBRILE SEIZURE/CONVULSION Some young children experience a ‘Febrile Seizure’ which is brought on by a high temperature or infection. A febrile convulsion can be very frightening for the parents or carer’s of the child. During the seizure the child may appear to stop breathing and the lips may go blue. If the parents are present then calm reassurance will be necessary. Febrile convulsions most commonly affect children between the ages of one and four (they affect about 1 in 20) but can affect children anywhere between 6 months and six years old. The child may have been unwell over the past day or so and will be hot to the touch. RECOGNITION • Flushed and sweating • The body may stiffen and their back may arch • Fists may be clenched • They may hold their breath and appear blue in colour. TREATMENT • Protect the child from injury, paying particular attention to the head • Cool them down by removing outer/restrictive clothing and ensuring a fresh supply of cool air • When the seizures stop, place them in the recovery position and monitor signs of life • If they become unconscious, you must callfor an ambulance.

3. EPILEPSY / SEIZURES There are many things that can cause a seizure, such as epilepsy, a lack of oxygen to the brain, a head injury, or even the body temperature becoming too high. If he seizure is caused by a high temperature (which is common with young children), this is called a “febrile convulsion”. The majority of seizures follow a pattern of phases: Tonic Every muscle in the body becomes rigid. The child may let out a cry and will fall to the floor. The back may arch and the lips may go blue. This phase typically lasts less than 30 seconds. Clonic The limbs of the body make sudden, violent jerking movements, the eyes may roll, the teeth may clench, saliva may drool from the mouth (sometimes blood-stained as a result of biting the tongue) and breathing could be loud like “snoring”. The child may lose control of the bladder or bowel. This phase typically lasts less than 2 minutes. Recovery The seizure stops and the child may go into a deep sleep or become very confused or agitated. The child should come around within a few minutes.

4. Treatment of Seizure / Fitting / Convulsions After the seizure: • Check Airway and Breathing. • Place the child in the recovery position. • Move bystanders away before they wake, to protect modesty. • Call 999/112 for emergency help if you cant wake them up within 10 minutes. • Constantly monitor Airway and Breathing. During the seizure: • Move dangerous objects away from the child. • Gently protect the head with a folded coat or your hands. • Time the seizure – make a note of the exact time and duration. • Loosen any tight clothing around the neck to help breathing. • Call 999/112 for emergency help if the seizure lasts longer than 3 minutes, they have a second seizure, they have injured themselves, this is the child’s first ever seizure or the seizure lasts more than 2 minutes longer than is “normal” for the child. NEVER place anything in the child’s mouth. NEVER try to restrain the child. NEVER move the child unnecessarily.