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30 May 2011

Unlikely patients

 

Recently I was looking over CPD assessments for drug misuse services. A question which came up was how to deal with a small child who had come into the pharmacy with a methadone user. The child, usually very talkative, was quiet and had a bruise across their face. On questioning the user said the child had fallen.

When I looked at the answers as to what could/should be done it was very difficult to pick out a clear answer. I guess in life there is no set answer, sometimes you have to 'go with the flow'.

When all avenues lead to a void it is easy to give up. Just because the parent is an addict alone does not mean they caused the injury. However, with the extra details regarding the child - a change in behaviour in particular - it seems negligent not to act in their best interests and find out more. Truly there is no set way to deal with this scenario.

This question highlighted to me the fact that on the job unlikely patients may present themselves.

As far as I am aware first aid is not compulsory CPD. Maybe it should be? I'm sure the general public currently feel safer being administered first aid in a pharmacy rather than anywhere else  on the high street.

What do you think?

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Adina Josephs, Community pharmacist
Posted on 11 June 2011.
In order to qualify you must complete a first aid course, this only lasts for a few years, after which you must renew it, so yes Pharmacists are required to do firstaid.
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mike harvey, Community pharmacist
Posted on 11 June 2011.
Best to mind your own business...

what first aid can you give to a bruise ? and is a Pharmacy best placed for first aid....sterile ? no .clean ? not often...right people ? no
harvey locum
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Akbar Aslam, Superintendent
Posted on 11/06/11 18:41 in reply to mike harvey.
Actually your not insured to give first aid to the public...if you work for a company, just your staff. Anything you do is at your own risk. If you do it wrong then law suits are the way sadly.

We are not supposed to be social workers. Go with your "gut feel" and learn from it.

First aid you could give is: Arnica cream and put a plaster on it.
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Fiona Castle, Community pharmacist
Posted on 13 June 2011.
Why is this discussion about First Aid and not about discussing the issue or concern with your child protection lead or named nurse?

This incident may be nothing, or it may be the corner piece in a jigsaw of changed circumstances for this child. You do need to go with your "gut feel" - if it makes you feel uncomfortable discuss it with someone who could follow up if they share your concern.
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