CHAPTER TWENTY - PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Checking infants and children
    -infants (1 month to 1 year)
            -check infant in arms of parent preferably

    -toddlers (1 to 2 years old)
            -not cooperative
            -wait a few minutes to get used to you
            -give them a toy or stuffed animal to "concentrate" on
            -check in parent's lap

    -preschoolers (3 to 5 years old)
            -reassure them
            -distract them with a toy or doll
            -cover wound quickly so they don't see it

    -school-aged children (6 to 12 years old)
            -tell them if something is going to hurt
            -protect their modesty

    -adolescents (13 to 18 years old)
            -direct questions to them and not their parents
            -respond better to caregiver of the same gender
           
A child's family usually is excited or agitated during an emergency.  The best thing to do is to calm the family down first.  A lot of times, this will calm the child down as well.

When checking or obtaining information from a child, it is easier to gain their trust by talking to them at their eye level.

Injury is the number one cause of death in children in the U.S.
        -Bleeding must be controlled immediately   
        -If child is in car wreck and is in a safety seat, do not remove them unless you have to perform an emergency    
            procedure

Any fever at or over 103 degrees is considered dangerous and should be dealt with immediately

S.I.D.S. - sudden infant death syndrome
        -affects infants (1 month to 1 year)
        -if found, start CPR   
        -comfort family

OLDER ADULTS
        -considered an older adult at age 65
        -life expectancy is around 75 years of age
        -show respect when asking questions
        -talk loud and slow
        -ask about any medications
        -look for medical alert tags/conditions

    -Falls
        -arthritis, brittle bones, unsteady balance can cause falls

    -Head Injuries
        -greater risk because brain shrinks with age, thus allowing more movement of brain
       
    -Confusion
        -could be Alzheimer's disease or it could be from a medical emergency

    -Heat and cold problems
        -elderly cannot regulate body heat properly
        -do not try to cool or heat body rapidly
        -elderly can get hypothermia from sitting in a draft or in front of a fan for an extended amount of time
        -in case of hypothermia - give something warm to drink and wrap in blankets....
                -do not apply heating pads or electric blankets


PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Physical Disability: impairment of motor or sensory function

        -Hearing Impairment
                -partial or total loss of hearing
                -talk slowly and clearly to their face (may be able to read lips)
                -use gestures and/or write sentences on paper
                -sign language if you know it

        -Vision Impairment
                -partial or total loss of sight
                -no need to speak loudly - very keen sense of sound
                -if you must move them, stand beside them and have them hold your arm as you guide them

        -Motor Impairment
                -not able to move normally
                -could be a result from loss of limb, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or multiple sclerosis
                -be careful when offering to help, they may refuse it

        -Mental Impairment
                -problems performing cognitive or mental function
                -Down's Syndrome - genetic impairment
                -approach victim as you would anyone else
                -talk clearly and plainly

LANGUAGE BARRIERS
        -try to find someone around that can translate
        -find some common ground - gestures, facial expressions
        -use tidbits of language to help
        -call EMS - they may be able to speak to the victim
        -if there is a language barrier, consent to treat is implied if it is a life-threatening condition