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Scenario — Dehydration — Paediatric at community fun run
Patient Information
Dispatch
You are called to a patient (Liam Chen, 8-year-old male) who has come to the First Aid Post during the Fremantle Schools Fun Run. His mother reports he is dizzy, has a headache, and has vomited once.
Incident History
Pt completed a 5km fun run in warm conditions without drinking adequate fluids. Has vomited once and is now dizzy and complaining of a headache. Mother present.
Emergency Contact
Michelle Chen (Mother) 0412 387 045
Initial Rapid Assessment
Response
Alert
Airway
Patent. Nil airway obstruction. Nil stridor.
Breathing
Slightly increased respiratory rate. No accessory muscle use. No audible wheeze or crackles.
Circulation
Radial pulse rapid and weak. Skin pale, warm and dry. Lips dry and cracked. Capillary refill 3 seconds centrally.
Disability
GCS 15 (E4V5M6). Alert and orientated to time, place and person. Complaining of headache and dizziness.
Exposure
No rashes or injuries. Skin appears dry. No sweating noted.
Vitals
Time SpO2 Resp Dist RR Pulse BP CRT GCS PERL Temp BGL Pain
Initial 97% (RA) Mild 24 118 88/60 3s (central) 15 3 3 ++ 37.9 4.2 mmol/L 4
10 mins 98% (RA) Nil 20 102 96/64 2s 15 3 3 ++ 37.7 4.4 mmol/L 2
History Taking
Signs/Symptoms
Dizziness, headache, nausea. Has vomited once approximately 20 minutes ago.
Onset
Symptoms began towards the end of the 5km run, approximately 40 minutes ago.
Pain
Headache — frontal, pressure-like.
Quality
Headache described as a dull pressure. Dizziness worse when standing.
Radiates
Nil
Severity
4/10
Allergies
Nil known
Medications
Nil regular medications
Pertinent History
Fit and well. No known medical conditions. No prior episodes of heat illness.
Last Oral Intake
Small snack and approximately 250 mL water before the run — 1.5 hours ago. No fluids during the run.
Treatment
Nil. Mother brought him straight to the FAP.
Events Leading
Participating in the Fremantle Schools Fun Run. Ran 5km in warm conditions (approx. 29°C). Did not drink from water stations on course.
Scenario Progression and Treatment Objectives

((If BGL is not checked within the first 5 minutes, the patient complains of feeling shaky and the mother asks if his blood sugar is okay.))

((If oral fluids are not offered within 5 minutes of assessment and GCS remains 15, the patient's dizziness worsens and he says he feels like he might be sick again.))

((If temperature is not assessed, the facilitator prompts: the mother asks 'Could he have heat stroke? He feels hot to me.'))

((If patient is not positioned appropriately — i.e. left standing or sitting upright with dangling legs — the patient nearly faints and requires assisted positioning.))

This patient is suffering from dehydration with mild hypovolaemia secondary to inadequate fluid intake during physical exertion in warm conditions.

  • Don appropriate PPE and perform scene safety assessment.
  • Perform Primary Survey — confirm patent airway, assess breathing and circulation, assess GCS and BGL.
  • Obtain full set of vital signs including BP, HR, RR, SpO2, BGL, temperature, pain score, and CRT.
  • Position patient supine or semi-recumbent with legs elevated to improve venous return given tachycardia and low BP.
  • Perform SAMPLE history with mother — confirm nil allergies, nil medications, onset of symptoms, and fluid intake history.
  • Assess for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness (temperature, mental status, skin condition) and differentiate dehydration from heat stroke — temperature 37.9°C does not meet heat stroke threshold; patient is alert and oriented.
  • Offer oral fluids: encourage small sips of water or electrolyte drink as patient is GCS 15 and able to swallow safely. Aim for gradual rehydration.
  • Monitor for nausea — if active vomiting develops or nausea is rated moderate to severe, consider Ondansetron 4 mg oral wafer (>4 years, >15 kg, no contraindications). Liam weighs 26 kg and is 8 years old — paediatric oral wafer dose applies: 4 mg oral wafer, single dose only, not repeated.
  • Reassess vital signs at 10 minutes — expect improvement in HR, BP, CRT, and pain score with correct positioning and oral rehydration.
  • Monitor BGL at reassessment — normal range maintained; no glucose gel required.
  • Reassure patient and mother continuously throughout assessment and management.
  • Document all findings and interventions on ePCR.
  • Arrange transport to hospital if: symptoms do not improve with oral rehydration, patient is unable to tolerate oral fluids, GCS deteriorates, or haemodynamic instability persists. Transport Priority 1 if time critical with pre-notification.
  • Scenario ends on arrival of ambulance and IMISTAMBO handover.
  • Attention to hand hygiene will be given throughout the scenario.

Clinical references: Hypoglycaemia · Dyspnoea & Respiratory Distress · Hypovolemic Shock · Heat Stroke · Ondansetron