British Red Cross: Meningitis
Learn First Aid for a Child Who May Have Meningitis
Thursday 5 October marks World Meningitis Day. Meningitis is an infection which causes the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord to swell up. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses and can happen to anyone at any age. It affects more than two and half million people globally each year. *
Here’s how to help if you suspect a child in your setting may be suffering with meningitis:
1. If someone has flu-like symptoms, a headache and a high temperature, they may have meningitis. They may also complain of a stiff neck and be sensitive to light. At a later stage a rash may form, and the rash won’t disappear when a glass is pressed on it.
Other symptoms of meningitis include cold hands and feet, joint pain, drowsiness and vomiting. A person with meningitis can have one or more symptoms, and some symptoms occur later as the infection develops. Don't wait for the rash to appear before seeking medical help, as often it does not appear until the person is already very unwell.
2. Call 999 if you see these symptoms.
Do not wait for all the symptoms to appear. A person with meningitis can deteriorate very quickly. It is potentially very serious and needs immediate attention.
3. Reassure them until help arrives.
If they have a fever, you can give the person cold drinks to cool and hydrate them.
Support different learning styles with a blended course
Our blended paediatric first aid course offers the flexibility to train in key first aid skills for babies and children.
While some people prefer face-to-face learning, others favour learning through a mix of audio, video and text. Blended learning is an ideal way to combine the benefits of both styles.
The course is easy to fit around other commitments: learners can complete the first half of the course online, at their own pace, anytime in the two weeks before the face-to-face, practical half of the course.
*Meningitis Research Foundation
The information in this article is provided by the British Red Cross and does not represent Morton Michel.