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Original poster

waiting on ambulance for 17 month old. Handhold please.

316 replies

whiskersonkittenss · 28/05/2021 21:29

baby woke screaming and red hot, wouldn't settle or take a drink. Doesn't like the light being on. Called 111 and they went through the symptoms and have requested an ambulance attend but it could take another hour from now
Currently keeping him cool with the electric fan. I'm shitting myself so scared.

OP posts:
drinkingcherrywine · 28/05/2021 22:28

Without knowing the OP's personal situation and location relative to the hospital it is not for anyone here to suggest ignoring 111 advice to wait for the ambulance. OP could be very far from a hospital for all we know and could end up in a dangerous situation making her own way. It is also ridiculous to suggest that waiting for an ambulance is taking it from someone else - I wish people wouldn't imply that the emergency services work on a first come first served basis instead of risk prioritisation.

OP - you are never wrong to call if worried - always better a false alarm than a missed opportunity for treatment.

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 28/05/2021 22:28

@whiskersonkittenss

I feel like once I called 111 he started perking up and I'll look like such an idiot when they get here
Babies can recover very quickly - but they can also go downhill rapidly. The paramedics will tell you you've done the right thing calling them. And please, even if you end up being embarrassed because your little one is absolutely fine by then, don't let that stop you calling for emergency help in future if you are worried.
Positivelysober · 28/05/2021 22:28

Hope they arrive soon.Flowers

Insidelaurashead · 28/05/2021 22:28

OP don't worry about feeling silly if they get to you and he's a lot better, or even if they take you to hospital and he's fine. I'm absolutely sure they'd rather see 1000 little ones who are actually absolutely fine than risk not seeing one and them be ill

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 28/05/2021 22:28

(Babies/toddlers I meant to say)

MyDcAreMarvel · 28/05/2021 22:29

@drinkingcherrywine I wish people wouldn't imply that the emergency services work on a first come first served basis instead of risk prioritisation. of course it’s not first come first served but an ambulance cannot be in two places at once.

sbhydrogen · 28/05/2021 22:29

It's not fun, but try giving him water by syringe if he refuses drink.

I went through something very similar recently and ended up taking my DD to hospital (she's also 17 months). It was extremely stressful, and
I had a bit of breakdown after forcing a syringe on her, but she was just unwell. She's fine now!

Original poster
whiskersonkittenss · 28/05/2021 22:31

without giving too much away as to why I havent gone against the advice given to me by 111, I am physically disabled and I didn't mention this to them because I thought if I have to I could try to get there

OP posts:
Joeblack066 · 28/05/2021 22:32

@drinkingcherrywine

Without knowing the OP's personal situation and location relative to the hospital it is not for anyone here to suggest ignoring 111 advice to wait for the ambulance. OP could be very far from a hospital for all we know and could end up in a dangerous situation making her own way. It is also ridiculous to suggest that waiting for an ambulance is taking it from someone else - I wish people wouldn't imply that the emergency services work on a first come first served basis instead of risk prioritisation.

OP - you are never wrong to call if worried - always better a false alarm than a missed opportunity for treatment.

You are absolutely right.
Ireallymustgotobed · 28/05/2021 22:32

All the healthcare professionals will tell you that you were right to call, as better safe than sorry with little ones. I had a similar situation with DD when she was 2.5 yrs. Ambulance took us to hospital where by the time she was actually seen rash had vanished and temp was down, but staff were lovely and understood totally. Hope your wee one is ok.

Don’t try to cool him too quick, or too much for reasons above posters have given.

drinkingcherrywine · 28/05/2021 22:33

No reasons required OP, just listen to the (NHS, 111)experts not a bunch of randoms on the internet!!!

BreedingOinkers · 28/05/2021 22:34

[quote MyDcAreMarvel]**@drinkingcherrywine* I wish people wouldn't imply that the emergency services work on a first come first served basis instead of risk prioritisation.* of course it’s not first come first served but an ambulance cannot be in two places at once.[/quote]
Yeh this. Of course they prioritise emergency cases but there would be no need to prioritise anyone if there were enough free ambulances to go to people who were in dire need of them, rather than people who could have driven themselves there

BreedingOinkers · 28/05/2021 22:35

@whiskersonkittenss

without giving too much away as to why I havent gone against the advice given to me by 111, I am physically disabled and I didn't mention this to them because I thought if I have to I could try to get there
Did you not say your husband would take him since your son was clingy with him?
FortniteBoysMum · 28/05/2021 22:36

Under the age of 2 an ambulance will have to take him in once called out as they cannot discharge a minor under that age. I remember that from my son having them out a few times. Keep the window open and a thin sheet over baby. Do not try to cool him too quickly as that can create more problems.

Original poster
whiskersonkittenss · 28/05/2021 22:38

yes. My partner. He is my carer and if he has to take him in then I will arrange other care. We don't have a car. Just incase we are keeping tally on how many ambulances I've ever taken up, it's none. This is the first time

OP posts:
DrinkFeckArseBrick · 28/05/2021 22:41

111 sent an ambulance out for our child under 2 and they checked them over at home and gave the ok to stay here with doctor follow up. Maybe it varies by trust

Froglette16 · 28/05/2021 22:42

OP has the ambulance arrived yet? Sending a big hand hold. XX

Bizawit · 28/05/2021 22:43

Omg will people stop!!!!!
111 called the ambulance and advised OP to wait. people have provided an alternative perspective (fair enough as OP posted on an advice forum). OP has read these suggestions , heard the reasons, and (not unreasonably) elected to follow the advice of 111. Just drop it and stop harassing her! She posted for a hand hold!

OP you really don’t need to explain/ justify yourself. You are totally reasonable to follow the advice of 111.

Original poster
whiskersonkittenss · 28/05/2021 22:44

Still no ambulance and he's just woken up happy. if I call them back will they stop the paramedics attending? should I let them check him over? He's the complete opposite to how he was when I called.

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 28/05/2021 22:45

Give him some calpol. Don't sponge him down. Just strip down to a vest. (Paeds nurse)

toolazytothinkofausername · 28/05/2021 22:46

Will he now have a drink?
Have you changed his nappy? Was it wet?

FWIW you can never be too careful with children. If in doubt, get it checked out.

wishihadagoodone · 28/05/2021 22:47

Young children and babies can change and go downhill again so quickly so let the paramedics come and check him over.
I promise you they won't mind one bit if they decide there's no need to take him in. Better safe than sorry when children are involved!!

Hoping you get some answers soon OP! xx

blahblahfootballblah · 28/05/2021 22:47

Still get him checked, the paramedics won't mind. Is he having wet nappies?

Bizawit · 28/05/2021 22:48

@whiskersonkittenss

Still no ambulance and he's just woken up happy. if I call them back will they stop the paramedics attending? should I let them check him over? He's the complete opposite to how he was when I called.
Is he still hot? Will he take any fluid? You could try recalling 111 to update, but I think they will probably advise you to wait for the paramedics nonetheless , as better to just get him checked since you were concerned. No one will think you foolish for raising the alarm, they always want to be on the cautious/ safe side with little ones x
PurpleDaisies · 28/05/2021 22:48

Don’t cancel the ambulance. It’s important to get him checked over.