Transcription
Hello, my name is Emma and I am the triage nurse. What brings you to the emergency room today?
My baby has a fever and I am very worried.
Why don't you bring your baby into the private examination room so that you can tell me about what has been happening and we can work together to help you and your baby.
Thank you, that would make me feel a lot better. Could you please describe to me what your concerns are regarding your baby? Has she had any cough recently, been refusing to feed, or have a rash that you have noticed?
No, but she has been crying all day, has a runny nose, and is very warm. I am only 16 and she is my first baby. Her dad left me and my parents kicked me out.
I understand that it must be very hard for you in this situation, and it is great that you care for your baby and want the best for her. I am, however, concerned that you don't have all the supports you need right now, and I would like to help you.
Could you please just check that my baby is okay? I read on Wikipedia that if her temperature is too high, she will have seizures.
If you could please unwrap your baby from her blankets, I will take her temperature and put a cuff around her arm to check her blood pressure. This will not hurt your baby. I would like to reassure you that your baby's temperature is only slightly above normal. Everything else with her is absolutely fine, and she seems to be suffering from a mild cold.
I feel very silly for bringing my baby to the emergency room for a cold.
It is understandable that as a first-time mum, you are concerned about her temperature. The internet has a lot of information that can be scary. I will give you a pamphlet on how to care for a baby with a fever. Perhaps you could put only one blanket around your baby to make her more comfortable.
This makes it so much more clear. Thank you. Has your baby had her six-month vaccination yet?
No, because my neighbor told me that it will give her autism and she will bash her head against walls and be very noisy.
There are a lot of misconceptions out there regarding vaccination, but I would like to reassure you, vaccination is very safe, free, and necessary for baby.
Okay, I will have my baby vaccinated as soon as possible.
The hospital will provide you with some paracetamol for your baby with instructions on doses. Before you go, though, I would like to put you in touch with some people who may be able to help you with your tough situation.
I would really appreciate that. I need all the help I can get.
If you are able to have a seat in the waiting room, the hospital social worker will come to see you and put some support in place for you. Do you have somewhere safe to stay tonight?
Yes, my my best friend's house. But what if my baby does not start getting better?
Here is the number of a free GP Clinic just down the street. If your baby gets worse, has a rash, or refuses to feed, please come back. If you have any other concerns regarding your baby's health, you can call this free Advice Line number on the pamphlet anytime, day or night. I wish you and your baby all the best.