Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah discuss the all-too-common topic of head injuries in children. From playground falls to tumbles at home, they break down everything parents need to know, including common causes, how to recognise red flags, and when it’s time to seek medical help. With practical tips and an easy-to-remember acronym for assessing injuries, Penny and Sarah guide parents in understanding when a head injury is mild or may require immediate medical attention. Key Topics Discussed: Why head injuries are so common in young children The HEADS acronym to identify red flags of a serious injury Understanding the significance of a child’s height and impact in head injuries When and how to safely let your child sleep after a head injury Practical prevention tips to reduce the risk of head injuries at home Takeaways: HEADS Assessment: Use this simple acronym to assess for red flags after a head injury. Seek medical attention if any of these apply: H – Height: Falls from over 1 meter or double the child’s height warrant a thorough assessment. E – Ears & Eyes: Blood or fluid from ears or eyes may indicate serious injury. A – Agitation: Unusual irritability or agitation after a fall can signal a more severe issue. D – Drowsiness: Sudden sleepiness or abnormal drowsiness after a head injury should be evaluated. S – Spew & Speech: More than one vomit, slurred speech, or high-pitched crying in infants are all red flags. When in Doubt, Get Checked Out: Call Nurse on Call or Health Direct if you’re unsure about a head injury—they can provide guidance on whether your child should go to the emergency department. Preventive Tips: Helmets, supervised risky play, and furniture safety precautions are essential to reducing the likelihood of serious head injuries. Additional Resources: Royal Children’s Hospital – Child safety tips and head injury guidelines Nicole Kids Physio on Instagram for practical advice on safe risky play Learn First Aid and what to do when your child is sick: Visit Paeds Education for paediatric first aid courses. Sick Happens for childhood illness courses Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.
Understanding Fevers – What Parents Really Need to Know In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah tackle a topic filled with anxiety for many parents—fevers. Fevers are an inevitable part of childhood, but they don’t have to come with fear and panic. Penny and Sarah discuss what fevers are, why they happen, and how they’re actually a healthy part of a child’s immune response. With clear and grounded advice, this episode offers practical guidance to help parents confidently navigate fevers without fear. Key Topics Discussed: What Is a Fever? When To Worry and Red Flags. Practical Fever Management. Febrile Seizures Explained. Takeaways: Fevers are a common, natural immune response to infection in children. Understanding the context of the fever, rather than the exact number, can help parents better assess their child’s health. Focus on hydration, comfort, and observing symptoms rather than obsessing over temperature readings. Mentioned Resources: For listeners in rural areas, Penny and Sarah recommend resources like the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department and Nurse on Call (Victoria) or Health Direct (Australia-wide) for accessing paediatric advice remotely. Please visit Paeds Education for paediatric first aid courses, or Sick Happens for childhood illness courses Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.
In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah share critical insights into choking prevention and first aid, arming parents with practical steps to keep children safe while handling food and small objects. Through real-life stories, including Sarah's own double choking scare, they highlight the speed at which choking can happen—even under the most watchful eyes. This episode aims to equip parents with confidence and practical knowledge to manage choking hazards effectively, using both prevention techniques and first aid skills. Key Topics Discussed: Choking Prevention Tips Understanding High-Risk Choking Hazards The Four S's of Choking Prevention (Shape, Sitting, Supervision, and Searching) How to Perform Choking First Aid for Babies and Children Guidance on When to Call Emergency Services Takeaways: Choking can happen quickly: Even with precautions in place, choking incidents can occur. Parents shouldn’t feel guilty when they do; knowing what to do is what matters most. The Four S’s for Preventing Choking: Shape (food preparation), Sitting (always sit down to eat), Supervision (watch while eating), and Searching (remove hazards) can help minimise choking risks. Key First Aid Steps: From using back blows and chest thrusts to knowing when to call triple zero, this episode provides a detailed guide on how to act effectively if a child begins to choke. Stay calm and trust your instincts: Recognise that force may be necessary to dislodge an object. Don’t fear bruising if it means helping your child breathe again. Additional Resources: CPR Kids’ Four S’s of Choking Prevention The Solid Starts app for safe food preparation tips by age Emergency Plus and What3Words apps for locating emergency help, particularly in remote areas Learn First Aid and what to do when your child is sick: Visit Paeds Education for paediatric first aid courses. Sick Happens for childhood illness courses Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.
Welcome to Prepared Not Scared. Penny from @sick.happens and Sarah from @paeds_education are here to chat all about inevitable illness and injury. We are going to be walking you through all the things parents and families freak out about: fevers, choking, gastro, burns and the rest. Let's go. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.