Managing Heart Attacks and Strokes When Caring for Children

Understanding Heart Attacks and Strokes

While primarily affecting adults, heart attacks and strokes can also occur in children:

• Adult Focus: Videos will address these conditions primarily in adults.
• Potential Child Involvement: Children can also be impacted by strokes and heart conditions.

Challenges for Childminders and Caregivers

When dealing with these life-threatening situations, consider the broader impact:

• Familial Presence: Parents or grandparents of the child may be present.
• Managing Multiple Responsibilities: You may need to care for both the patient and any children under your supervision.
• Emotional Support: Relatives may be distressed, requiring sensitivity and management of the children's exposure to the situation.

Emergency Response and Child Safety

Steps to effectively manage emergencies involving heart attacks or strokes:

• Immediate Action: Prioritise safety for both the patient and the children in your care.
• Calling Emergency Services: Ensure prompt communication with emergency services, involving children if appropriate.
• Ensuring Safety: Maintain a secure environment while attending to the emergency.