Home Remedies and First Aid

Contents

1. Home Remedies
2. First Aid
3. Allergies

1. Home Remedies

Home Remedies are medicines that can be bought over the counter, including Paracetamol*, homeopathic, herbal, aromatherapy, vitamin supplements or alternative therapies.

Each home's Statement of Purpose should list the Home Remedies that may be used; this list should be approved by a local GP/Medical Practitioner.

Home Remedies can only be used by the young people in the home with the approval of relevant social workers (as set out in children's Placement Plans) or as prescribed by a GP.

Home Remedies should be purchased for a named individual children; the containers should be labelled with the child's name.

When a Home remedy container is opened, staff should record the date of opening to ensure it is not kept beyond its expiry date.

No child may be permitted to 'self-administer' Home Remedies unless approved by their social worker, with the arrangements outlined in the Placement Plan.

Recording

The administration of any Home remedies must be recorded in individual Child's Daily Record and Medication Administration Record (MAR).

*Paracetamol must not be given for more than two consecutive days without the approval of a GP/Medical Practitioner.

2. First Aid

Fully equipped First Aid boxes must be kept in each home and in each vehicle used to carry children. The Manager of the home must ensure that suitable arrangements exist to keep First Aid boxes equipped.

Children may administer their own First Aid if they have a suitable First Aid certificate or under the supervision of a certified member of staff.

If children are not deemed to be capable of giving First Aid themselves or under supervision, a certified member of staff must administer it.

The administration of First Aid must be recorded in the First Aid Log, Accident Book(if there has been an accident), individual Child's Daily Record and Medication Administration Record (MAR).

3. Allergies

A specialist allergy nurse/consultant will help develop a Health Care plan which should be shared with all agencies working with the child/young person.

The Care and Placement Plan and Health Care Plan should contain the following:

• All known allergies and associated risks including spotting the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis for the child/young person;
• Preventative measures should be detailed in the Plan - for example taking daily antihistamines for hay fever, making sure cleaning products and gloves are hypoallergenic, and washing powder is suitable for skin conditions;
• Actions to take when a young person has an allergic reaction. The plan should describe exactly what to do and who needs to be contacted in the event of an emergency. For example, when to use an EpiPen and calling for an ambulance;
• All staff should be aware of the Plan and should have been trained to administer an EpiPen by a suitable qualified health professional;
• The child/young person should be educated around their allergies and what to do in an emergency - a young person may be able to self-administer their own EpiPen or take antihistamines. If this is the case this should be recorded;
• Medication should be easily accessible so staff and/or the child/young person can access their medication in an emergency situation;
• A record should be kept of each episode and any medication given should be recorded on Medication Administration Record ( MAR) sheet.

For further information please contact the child or young person’s health professional who deals with their allergies and check the NHS website or see Allergy UK Website.