April 2007

Sudden Illness

You may not know the exact cause of a sudden illness, but this should not keep you from giving care. Generally, a person with sudden illness looks and feels ill. If you think something is wrong, check with the person. . A person may deny anything is seriously wrong. Do not be afraid to ask the person questions. The person’s condition can worsen rapidly if he or she in not cared for. Sudden illnesses include: fainting, diabetic emergency, seizure, stroke, poisoning, and/or allergic reaction.
When a person becomes suddenly ill, he or she will usually look sick. Common signals may include:
Changes in consciousness, such as feeling light-headed or dizzy or becoming unconscious. *Any one who is unconscious is a medical emergency and 911 should be called.
Nausea or vomiting
Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
Numbness or weakness
Loss of vision or blurred vision
Changes in breathing, the person may have trouble breathing or have irregular breathing
Changes in skin color (pale, ashen, flushed)
Sweating
Persistent pressure or pain
Diarrhea
Seizures
Paralysis or inability to move.
Severe headache
Caring for an individual who experiences sudden illness requires that you do no further harm to that individual. Check the scene for clues as to what is happening and check the person. Call 911 for any life-threatening conditions such as unconsciousness, chest pain, severe bleeding, and anaphylaxis reactions. Monitor for their consciousness and their breathing pattern. Allow the person to rest in the most comfortable position and keep them warm but not over heated. Do not give them anything to eat or drink unless they are diabetic and their blood sugars are low or if they are experiencing heat exhaustion. Keep the individual calm and stay with them until help arrives.
Rhode Island Good Samaritan Act governs any one who offers care that is within their expertise not to be held legally liable.

Upcoming Health Events:
April 9th and April 26th from 4-6 pm is Kindergarten registration days.
April 27th RI Hearing Center will screen students in Pre-K to Grade 3. Letters regarding the hearing will be sent home April 4th. This is not a permission slip; it is an informational letter.
Puberty letters will be sent home to students in Grade 5 this month.
Letters to future 7th graders will be mailed home April 27th regarding immunizations and physical exams required for September entry.

Pre-K required immunizations:

Completed series of 3 Hepatitis B

4 Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DPT/DTaP)

4 Pneumococcal Conjugate

3 Polio

4 Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB)

1 Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Physical Examination if new to Pre-K

K requires the following immunizations and current physical:

Completed series of 3 Hepatitis B

5 Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP/DTaP)

4 Polio

4 HIB

2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Vision screening

Lead screening

Physical Examination

Students entering grades 1-6: Same requirements for K except lead and vision screening.

Students entering grade 6 and who are interested in playing sports are required to submit a current physical examination.

7 th Grade requires the following:

Completed series of 3 Hepatitis B

5 DTP/DTaP

4 Polio

2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Tetanus Booster

Scoliosis screening

Physical Examination

8 th grade students who are new to Jamestown School must follow the 7 th grade requirements.

The appropriate form must be mailed to the School Nurse-Teacher before the first day of school.