Just a quick message as I know that there are a few parents of little ones here. Yesterday I called 000 for the first time in my life, and don't want to again, but will under similar circumstances.

I was sitting on the couch (contemplating w/surfing or sup'ing for the day's activities) with my 8yo boy who was reading a book to me (homework) and my 13mth daughter on my lap.

Suddenly, she went from relaxed & drowsy to stiff and her eyes rolled back in her head. I freaked out & yelled out for my wife - who came running. She stopped breathing after about 10-20secs of rigidity & went limp. I called 000 immediately, although we live half a block from the hospital. The operator told me that she was fairly certain that my daughter was having a 'Febrile Convulsion' and talked us through what to do until the ambos turned up. I was about to start CPR, but was told not to, which I'm now glad that I didn't. About 5mins later (felt like hours), the ambos arrived, by that time she was breathing shallowly & sobbing. My wife & I were a mess, and when I went looking for our other 2 kids (we were preoccupied with the bub until the ambos arrived), I found them in their rooms in tears...that brought me to a dribbling mess.

I just wanted to make anyone that has small kids aware, as it is common, but many of us haven't heard of it. The main few things I got out of it were - stay calm (very hard to) - call 000 regardless - pay attention to the operator's advice and although more of a common sense thing - please be a member of Ambulance - we have always been, and although it wouldn't have made a diff with my kids life at stake, it's good to know that after all of this, we're not going to get a bill.

Anyway, she's now fine, and after spending about 8 hrs in hospital with her mum (who's still exhausted today), 4 of which with a temp over 40deg, she's back to her typical self. I was told that these convulsions/seizures are very common, and next time if it happens, I'll know what to do. My first-aid training (apart from calling 000 & trying to remain calm) basically went out the window, but I was told that is completely normal.

fact sheet pasted below for those that are interested.

www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Febrile_Convulsions/

I didn't get on the water yesterday, and although I rate my 'water time' as high on my list of priorities - it pales in significance when something like that happens to one of your kids.

as neilw said, Sailhak glad all is ok, my son had several asthma attacks, blue in the face, ambos called, what seems like an eternity waiting for them, all the time trying to stay calm, all is ok now, phew, its amazing how the situation can change so rapidly.

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Sam, Esta definitely do a great job - I'm an SES member and have had a bit of experience with them in emergency situations, but as you said...no matter how prepared or calm you might be in a normal emergency situation, you need a level head to guide you when your family is involved. By the time the ambos got there, I was fairly calm and we knew she was out of danger.

I have to admit, since having kids - I get emotional where kids are involved, especially my own kids. We're very lucky how it panned out and although it is a common occurrence, and we were probably never in danger of losing her - although that split second where you think you might lose a child hits you like a tonne of bricks and is exhausting! There are many parents that have gone through worse and deal with much worse on a daily basis - they have my full admiration & respect.

[edit] Just another thing re; ambulances - Our local GP has told us that regardless, always call 000, no matter how close to the hospital. I could've picked her up & ran to the hospital A&E within less than 2 minutes, but there's no guarantee that they would have someone there to assist her (small city hospital). As it was, the nurses were waiting after receiving the call. Also, policy is that a patient arriving in an ambulance must receive treatment straight away. The other advantages were as mentioned, the calm voice on the phone (000), and the ambos knowing exactly what was needed when they showed up.

Lucky for me - my wife is a paediatric nurse and i know FC's are relatively common.

Having said that - even in the knowledge they are common - I'd be a total useless meltdown in put into your position.

There is nothing that will reduce you to tears/anger/anxiety quite like your innocent little ones facing danger.

Good onya for posting SH and hope all are back to normal asap.

My daughter fell off a horse and knocked herelf out. I found her unconcious in the back yard. That initial feeling of dread is one that will never be forgotten but it makes you appreciate your true blessings

thanks Sailhack, i,m glad all is good now!!

i,m sure by passing on that info here ,you will have helped save someone in the future!