On December 28, 2024, Parenthrive hosted an enlightening online session with Dr. Kisaru Wickramasuriya on “Emergency Ready: Recognizing and Responding to Childhood Crises.” The session, held via Zoom, explored critical aspects of childhood emergencies, equipping parents and caregivers with the essential knowledge to recognize, respond to, and manage life-threatening situations effectively.
Understanding Childhood Crises: Global Context
Dr. Wickramasuriya began by shedding light on the epidemiology of childhood crises. Despite significant progress in reducing under-5 mortality rates globally—from 12.8 million in 1990 to 4.9 million in 2022—many children still face high risks based on their geographic location. Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia accounted for over 80% of these deaths in 2022. The doctor emphasized the urgency of recognizing and treating severely ill children immediately upon hospital admission to prevent avoidable deaths.
Life-Threatening Conditions in Developing Countries
A significant part of the session was dedicated to discussing the most prevalent life-threatening conditions in developing countries. Dr. Wickramasuriya highlighted conditions such as respiratory distress, dehydration, and trauma as common crises. Symptoms like obstructed breathing, cyanosis, and signs of shock were explained, alongside the importance of tools like the Paediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) for rapid assessment.
Managing Respiratory Distress
Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) account for nearly 20% of global deaths in children under five, making respiratory distress a critical topic. The doctor detailed various causes, including bronchial asthma, pneumonia, and sepsis. Parents were educated on recognizing symptoms such as rapid breathing, nasal flaring, and grunting, which signal a need for urgent intervention.
Recognizing and Treating Dehydration
Dr. Wickramasuriya emphasized that diarrheal diseases remain the third leading cause of death in children aged 1–59 months, despite being preventable and treatable. The session provided actionable advice on recognizing dehydration symptoms—such as sunken eyes, lethargy, and strong-smelling urine—and managing mild dehydration using oral rehydration solutions. The importance of seeking medical care for severe cases was stressed.
Handling Minor Injuries
Practical tips for managing minor cuts and burns at home were also discussed. Key steps included cleaning wounds thoroughly, avoiding irritants like hydrogen peroxide, and dressing wounds appropriately to prevent infection. For burns, the doctor recommended cooling the area under running water and applying soothing lotions to prevent skin dryness.
Recognizing Trauma and Fractures
The session concluded with a discussion on trauma and fractures. Dr. Wickramasuriya advised parents to watch for warning signs, such as excessive bleeding, visible muscles or ligaments, and difficulty in movement. For fractures, symptoms like swelling, bruising, and deformity were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of professional medical attention.
Empowering Caregivers
The session provided parents with critical tools and knowledge to handle childhood emergencies confidently. By recognizing early warning signs and implementing immediate interventions, caregivers can significantly improve outcomes for children facing crises.
This interactive and informative session underscored Parenthrive’s commitment to empowering parents with practical insights and expert guidance to navigate the challenges of parenting in a rapidly changing world.
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