If your child is going to have a sedation, you will be emailed or faxed a prescription for the EMLA  patch and a Dormicum tablet. This article describes why you may need the patch and the tablet, and how to use them.

Most children (and some adults) are needle-phobic and to make the procedure completely painless you need to carefully read the following instructions.

The technique I use is an intravenous one, and what this basically means is that I need to get a small needle placed in a vein in your child's hand or arm. Unfortunately, no needle means no sedation in most cases.

This is the most “difficult” part of the sedation, but I can in 99% of cases, place this painlessly and without your child even knowing about it.  I however need your assistance to be able to achieve this. The EMLA patch on the prescription, numbs the skin on your child's hand or arm so that your child will not feel the tiny sting of the needle.

The patch however needs to be applied at least 1 hour prior to the procedure to work effectively (preferably 1-2 hrs before).

How to use the patch:  The 4 areas to consider using are on top of the hands behind the knuckles, or in the crook of the elbows (where a person usually donates blood). Please use 2 different areas for 2 patches (e.g. left elbow and right hand) – this gives me 2 chances if the veins are difficult. It does not matter if it is left or right, top of hand, or fold of elbow.

Clean the 2 areas and make sure that they are nicely dry. Peel the silver lining off the patch and stick over the 2 different areas that you have chosen, where you think the biggest veins are to be found. (If you only have the EMLA cream – put a nice layer of about 2cm over the vein and cover with the transparent dressing that keeps it from rubbing off. This dressing is NOT the patch, but must be used with the cream.)

The Dormicum tablet (usually only half of the tablet for children) is only needed if your child is very anxious, has had a bad experience before, is tearful or performing, or is being difficult. This tablet is only to help me get the IV cannula going and only if needed. The half tablet should be given 30 to 40 minutes before the sedation at the doctor or dentist's rooms.  Don't leave your child unattended after taking the tablet, as your child may start feeling a bit drowsy or wobbly. 

That's it.  Any questions please feel free to phone and ask.

Regards – Paul

   EMLA patches                                  or                       Cream and dressing