Is my Baby really ill?
The quickest way to assess if something is really wrong
When assessing #paediatric patient under 16 in a first aid or prehospital setting, getting an accurate impression of the patient is critical. The Paediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) is an important and now commonly used tool. Here at DAC Education we have made a simpler version for you to use.
The PAT gives you a way of rapidly assessing a child or infant. It gives you the things to look for. Useful for at home, in a nursery setting or even a primary school. All those that work with children and normally do Paediatric First Aid courses. On DAC Education courses we talk through the Paediatric Assessment Triangle. Helping Early Years Practitioners to quickly assess young people that are in their care.
How to use it. Look and listen. The assessment doesn't require the use of any equipment.
How does the young person appear? Do they seem normal? Do they cry, do they respond to lights or are they staring vacantly. Have they gone all floppy or really rigid?
How is their breathing? Do they need to make more effort? Is it like they have just been for a run, but all they have been doing is sitting there. Are their nostrils flaring trying to get more air in? Is the breathing noisy?
Hows their circulation? Are they a normal colour for their skin tone? Darker skin tones may require you to look inside the lower lip. Does the blood return to their fingers or the skin on their chest in 2 seconds or less? We call this capillary refill. Gently squeeze a finger or press onto the centre of the chest, for 5 seconds. You will see it change colour as the blood is pushed away. Let go and watch, count slowly. You are looking for the colour to return within 2 seconds. Try it on your finger now!
Have a look at the picture below, read what is normal and what is abnormal. Right at the bottom you will see the advice. If you see any abnormal signs then ring 111 or 999. They are the best people. Keep the young one warm (not hot), if they will drink then sip little bits at a time. Keep fresh air in the room.
We deliver our EYFS recognised Paedatric First Aid training as two days in the classroom or as a blended option. One day online, at your own pace in the weeks before a day in the classroom. The online video training you can start stop and pick up where you left off. Both ways deliver the same outcome. It does make it easier on the staffing if they are not out for two days.
For further information on our EYFS recognised Paedatric First Aid training then get in touch.
See some of our blogs below about Mental health, First aid and much more
DAC Education LTD, Company number 12639015
Registered office and training centre: Unit One, Main Road, Stratford St Andrew, Suffolk, IP17 1LF