| ■ Knowing Your Child's Medical History | 06.06.08 |
| If your child is ever ill or injured and requires emergency care, doctors, nurses, and paramedics will have many questions about his medical history. And even if you know all the answers in a calm moment, the most organized parent might not be able to remember a child's health history in a stressful situation. That's why it is important to keep a comprehensive record of your child's health information nearby. In many cases, this information can help a medical professional make quicker diagnoses and decisions during an emergency, when each second counts. Read the categories below to learn more, and create a complete health record for your child. Keep one copy of the record at home, one in each car, and one in your bag or wallet. You should also supply your child's day care center and babysitters with this list, along with the name and number of your child's doctor. Allergies Record on your list any known allergies your child has to medications, both prescription and nonprescription. Allergic reactions to insect stings and bites should be listed. Food allergies are also important. In many cases, this information helps medical personnel discover a cause for problems like seizures or difficulty breathing. Medications Certain medications cannot be taken together, so paramedics need to know all medications (prescription and nonprescription) your child currently takes before they can administer any drug. In addition, you need to know the doses, the dosing schedules, and when the medications were taken last. Pre-existing Illnesses or Conditions Pre-existing illnesses or conditions can have a great impact on the kinds of tests or treatment administered during an emergency. If your child has any health problem - from diabetes to epilepsy to asthma - emergency medical personnel must know. For additional protection, children with chronic conditions should wear an identifying tag on a necklace or bracelet. This kind of immediate notification can help doctors save your child's life. Hospitalizations and Operations List the dates your child has been hospitalized and the types of operations he has undergone. This information may help during the course of treatment following an emergency situation. Immunizations Keeping an updated record of all your child's immunizations is important. If you need help remembering or compiling all the information, the staff at your child's doctor's office can assist you. Be sure to include information about any reactions your child may have had following an immunization, such as seizures, high fever, or severe discomfort |