When to call for help
Sometimes children with cancer will have symptoms that are warning signs of a serious condition. Your medical team considers these symptoms a sign of an emergency. An emergency means that you must take action right away.
Call Triple Zero (000)
Call Triple Zero (000) if your child
- stops breathing or you cannot feel your child's heart beating
- has blue skin and lips
- is having a seizure
- cannot wake up (loss of consciousness).
Call the hospital immediately
Call the hospital immediately if your child:
- has a fever of 38° celsius
- is unwell with dizziness, shivering, shaking or chills
- has difficulty breathing
- has bleeding that does not stop within 5 - 10 minutes
- does not respond to your questions.
- is awake. but seems "out of it*
- has a change in vision
- has a severe headache
- has vomiting or diarrhoea and is not able to drink fluids
- has been exposed to chickenpox, shingles or measles
- has a break in the central line.
Before going to Emergency
If possible, call the clinic, your ward or your doctor before you arrive and they will let Emergency know that your child is coming and give you any instructions about caring for your child while you are on your way to the hospital.
Bring your Family Handbook and any medications your child is taking with you.
If you do not live close to the hospital or you are away from Sydney and your child is unwell, contact the clinic, or your ward or doctor and proceed to the closest hospital.
Arriving at Emergency
When you arrive at Emergency, go directly to the Triage Nurse and inform them that your child is an oncology patient. Oncology patients who are on treatment or who have recently completed treatment may have a lowered immunity and be more susceptible to infection. They will be taken to an isolation area.
If your child has a fever, they will have bloods taken and antibiotics started promptly after consultation with your child's oncologist or the oncologist-on-call.
If you have an 'Action Plan' negotiated by your Rural Outreach Nurse, follow the instruction listed. Again, at the Emergency Department explain that your child is an oncology patient and ask that your doctor or the oncologist-on-call be contacted for advice.
If you are concerned about your child or have any questions regarding their treatment, please do not hesitate to talk with staff.