Today
we have a guest blogger, Mr. Matthew Windram. Matt is an EMT and firefighter in New Jersey. Today he writes about
Laryngomalacia from an EMT/first responders point of view... and what
YOU need to know and do as a parent to make sure your baby gets the
proper care...if something should go wrong.
"Laryngomalacia,
or literally "soft larynx" is a very common condition of infancy and
is the most common cause of inspiratory breathing noises in infants.
Although well known to doctors, nurses, as well as parents of children
who have the condition, it is not necessarily well known by members of
the emergency services. Therefore you can be a resource to your local
police officers, firefighters, and EMTs.
When to call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room:
-If the child stops breathing.
-If you witness the child turning blue (this is called Cyanosis)
-Episodes of Apnea, or interruptions in normal breathing
-Any
episodes of respiratory distress characterized by the retraction, or
sinking in of the chest and/or neck muscles for extended periods of
time.
So what can you do?
Contact your local First Aid Squad or EMS providing agency and inform them that a member of your household has laryngomalacia. The
squad or agency will then ensure that the EMTs in your area will be
made aware of your residence and the possibility of laryngomalacia
complications in their response area. Also, in the event of an
emergency, be prepared to briefly inform the responding emergency
personnel as to what laryngomalacia is, and its resulting
complications. Sometimes the fire department or a police officer will
arrive before an ambulance and will have only basic knowledge of first
aid; so it's important for you to be well informed and ready to help
them help you.
It's also important to be ready to
explain the condition to the 911 dispatcher as well as if your child
has a medical apnea monitor. By making the dispatcher aware of the
condition and the monitor, they will be able to make the decision to
send paramedics, who are better equipped and trained to deal with more
advanced medical conditions.
While you are out with your child (or the child is at daycare ect) it's a good idea for the child to wear a
medical alert bracelet in the event of an emergency.
Lieutenant Matthew Windram
Middletown Township Fire Department, Station #2
