Adult preparation for Burns clinic appointment

Transcript

The moment your child sustains a burn can be hard for parents.  This video is designed to help explain what will happen during your child's first burns dressing change and the best way you can support them.  Planning a list of coping strategies with your child and packing necessary items can take the pressure off on the day.

Some effective tools include Reading a book, singing, or listening to their favourite song. Playing a game on a phone or tablet. Hugging a favourite toy. Calm breathing. A fidget toy. Or, you can bring snacks for you and your child.  When you walk into the hospital, make it a positive experience.  Encourage the child to press the lift button and get them to spot artwork around the hospital.

Arrive at Level 5E Burns Unit and check in with the staff at reception desk. Remember your Medicare card and GP details.  While you wait, try to keep your child calm and occupied with their favourite toy, an electronic device or craft activities available in the waiting room.  The nurse will call your child's name and walk you into the clinic room.

When walking into the room, keep it light hearted, using positive words and actions.  Your child may be given pain relief medicine.  Provide lots of encouragement, distraction and positive praise to your child.  After your child has taken the medicine, there will be time for the medicine to take effect.  Some suggestions of things to do while you wait include games, toys, electronic devices, or playing with anything special your child might have brought with them.

Depending on where your child's burn is, you might have to assist the nurses with removing their clothes.  It's important that your child stays still. Good job, Violet. Remember, your child will pick up on how to react by your face, words, and noises you use. If needed, practise some deep breathing.  Remember if you are okay, your child feels okay.

The nurses will use a cool liquid to help lift the dressings off easily.

Once the burn has been washed, multiple people may enter the room to look at the burn. These are all members of the Burns Team and they are here to help with different aspects of caring for the burn. Don't be afraid to ask any questions.  The nurses will now prepare a new dressing. Sitting still can be hard while the new dressing is being applied, so continue to help by holding your child, being positive and distracting them.

Once the new dressing is on, let your child know it's all done. Offer cuddles and praise for a job well done.  The nurses will explain to you what you need to do to look after the dressing at home.  If another appointment is needed, go to the staff at reception desk and make your next appointment for the time advised.

Talk to staff if you have any questions on how better to look after your child