Head Injuries

[mattfd37]

Just curious if you guys have policies/procedures for teachers/staff to follow when a child has a possible head injury. I had a call where the child fell on the play scape and couldn't move. I got there to find the teacher ambulating the child to me. I instructed them to sit on the bench and one look at the kid I called 911. They ended up having a concussion. This seems to be a common practice with teachers/staff. Any thoughts?

[kidzcare]

I have the exact opposite problem. Half the time that I'm called to a student location to bring a wheelchair, it's a kid who is just fine and everyone is freaking out.

[DEgalRN]

We don't have an official policy, but I wrote one up, and gave it to our policy maker for review. Basically, I had a gym teacher bring me a kid who fell, hit her head, and couldn't keep her eyes open, couldn't answer questions, basically, same thing, took one look, and called 911. I was like, "WHY DID YOU MOVE HER?" But, they don't know what they don't know. And then again, I'll also get calls like kidzcare does where everyone is freaking out, and I'm over here like, "The kid's fine, why are you skittering around like scared mice?"

Basically, I can't win!

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

I always remind myself that my kids are here because I can't teach, that is the starting of the grace I extend, and then, try to educate. We, as nurses, have learned to slow down our fight or flight response during emergencies (another reason acute care experience is so important) and maintain our critical thinking. We can not project that same response on others.

[SchoolNurseTXstyle]

I have been called to the gym with the wheelchair for a girl feeling a little dizzy because she skipped breakfast and everyone yelling "she is about to pass out." By the time I wheeled her back to clinic, absolutely fine!

Another kid took a helmet to helmet hit during football practice, tried to sit on the bench but missed it and fell to the ground instead. Was found wandering the hallways acting strange. About 3 minutes after getting to clinic, started seizing and I called 911. Coaches yelled at him "just go to the nurse. Nobody called me, he was sent unescorted." Luckily, a staff member picked up on his abnormal gait and got him to me quickly.

You just can't teach good old fashioned common sense.

[BeckyESRN]

I'm sometimes amazed at what people think needs an escort-my finger hurts, my belly hurts, ect.. vs what doesn't- I hit my head really hard on the play ground and i feel dizzy, diabetic who feels low, known cardiac issue feeling dizzy. Happily, the few times that I've been called to an injury/issue- the teachers were really great, reassuring the student, and not moving them around. I've been sure to tell them how much I appreciate that!