TOPIC OVERVIEW .
Meningitis is an infection of the linings that surround the brain and the spinal cord. It’s caused by a bacteria or virus. Anyone of any age can get meningitis. It can be very serious. If you suspect someone has meningitis call a doctor immediately, so they can get to a hospital as soon as possible for urgent treatment.
Look for:
Look for:
- Very unwell, with a flu-like illness and a high temperature
- Mottled or very pale skin
- Hands and feet may feel cold to touch
- Joint and limb pain
- As the infection develops, severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- vomiting
- Eyes may be sensitive to light
- Drowsiness
- Babies may have a high pitched, moaning or whimpering cry. They may be floppy and have a tense or bulging soft spot on the top of the skull known as the fontanelle.
- Later on, a distinctive rash of red or purple spots that do not fade when pressed.
OBJECTIVES .
In this video we talk about what to look for if your baby has meningitis and what to do.
REQUIRED MATERIALS .
Students require a file and/or folder, pen and paper and this will form the basis of the student's "Best Book".
CONTENT (LESSON BODY) .
ASSESSMENT .
All NPF officers should learn, practice and understand the content of this video.
The assessment, which will be undertaken, is both a written and practical test with a final exam.
The assessment, which will be undertaken, is both a written and practical test with a final exam.
SUMMARY & TAKEAWAY .
If someone is unwell and you think they have signs of meningitis, call for emergency help straight away.
While waiting for help to arrive, start to treat their fever.
Check the casualty to see if they have a rash. If they do, you can do the glass test. Most rashes will fade if you press the spots with the side of a glass. If they do not fade, call for emergency help at once.
While you’re waiting for help to arrive, reassure them and keep them cool. Give them plenty of water to replace fluids lost through sweating. Monitor their level of response.
While waiting for help to arrive, start to treat their fever.
Check the casualty to see if they have a rash. If they do, you can do the glass test. Most rashes will fade if you press the spots with the side of a glass. If they do not fade, call for emergency help at once.
While you’re waiting for help to arrive, reassure them and keep them cool. Give them plenty of water to replace fluids lost through sweating. Monitor their level of response.
LOOK FORWARD TO .
How to treat Meningitis 2.