It’s estimated that over 30 million children visit the emergency room every year in the United States alone. From broken bones and concussions to sudden illnesses, a trip to the ER is bound to be stressful for both you and your kids. However, there are a few simple things you can do to make the whole process easier. Here are five tips to keep in mind that should help ease your child’s stress in the emergency room.
1.) Avoid Bringing Siblings if Possible
When you bring a sick or injured child to the emergency room, it’s often best to leave his or her siblings with a loved one. Kids can quickly grow hungry, tired and frustrated during the wait, leading to irritability that will be difficult for you and the child awaiting treatment. Additionally, they may feel frightened due to their sibling’s condition or the unfamiliar setting, and you may be called into treatment areas where children are not permitted. For your convenience, make other care arrangements if possible to keep the stress level at a minimum.
2.) Be Prepared with Appropriate Information
Though the emergency room at Carthage Area Hospital boasts the lowest wait times in the area, it’s still a good idea to have pertinent medical information ready to avoid delays. Speed up the process by gathering the following:
- Medical history, including immunizations, known allergies and past surgeries
- List of the medications, vitamins, supplements, etc. that your child is currently taking
- Contact information for your child’s primary pediatrician and other doctors
- The time of your child’s most recent meal and what they ate
- A timeline of symptoms or events that resulted in visiting the ER
- Treatments you’ve already attempted for the condition if applicable
- Health insurance information
3.) Bring Comfort Items
If there are items that make your child calm and happy, such as a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or toy, it’s a good idea to bring those items along. Having them on hand can help ease your child’s anxiety, keep their mind off their pain or illness and feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. Other handy items might include:
- A book to read
- Headphones for watching videos or playing games on a parent’s phone
- Coloring or activity books
- A refillable water bottle
- Snacks, unless you have been advised that the child should avoid eating
4.) Utilize Visualization Exercises
If your child is having a hard time coping with the stress of visiting the ER, try visualization exercises. These involve a bit of imagination but are effective in helping children remain positive. Try telling stories of pleasant experiences, such as recounting family memories or recalling something funny their favorite television character did. When you do this, your child will visualize the sensory details that went along with the experience you’re describing, such as remembering the warmth of the sun on the beach or the taste of the birthday cake from their party last year. This can be a great way to cheer them up during a difficult time.
5.) Don’t Panic
This can be easier said than done, but if you stay calm, chances are so will your child. Children depend on their parents for reassurance, and when they see you panicking, they are likely to do the same. Do your best to stay calm and positive as you let them know that the doctors and nurses are there to help them feel better and that you’ll be right by their side the whole time.
24-Hour Emergency Care for Families
When you visit the ER at Carthage Area Hospital, you can feel confident that you child is in the hands of our trusted medical staff. We’ve served Carthage and the surrounding areas for more than 55 years and are committed to providing high-quality care in a comfortable environment. For more information, contact us today. In the event of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1 immediately.