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Those awkward questions…

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Sometimes it can be very difficult to approach the subject such as a young female’s menstrual cycle. However it is really important that we ask that as a differential diagnosis may well be an ectopic pregnancy that we know can manifest in the early stages of a pregnancy. I have been in a situation where I have made parents feel quite uncomfortable when I’m examining a young child, especially young females when we are asking such questions. It isn’t the nicest of things, especially for a male paramedic to do.

Cam has highlighted a very real difficulty when presented with a young female. He cannot be alone in having these concerns.

As parents, how would you feel if you were asked to leave the consultation between your 14 year old daughter and a paramedic knowing they will discuss sensitive topics (e.g. periods, sexual activity, pregnancy, drug and alcohol use)?

It would be good to hear from both paramedics and parents your experiences and any useful tips you have when approaching difficult conversations, including asking the parent/carer to leave so that you can get further information.

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Emergency and Urgent Care for Children: a Survival Guide

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