opinion: how to help your child handle a visit to the emergency department
while the healthcare team is there to help, parents and caregivers play a critical role in ensuring their child has the most positive experience possible.
3 minute read
as parents and caregivers, you are your child’s strongest advocate. by planning ahead, staying informed, and speaking up for their needs, you can help create a more positive experience—even in the often-chaotic environment of the emergency department.
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winter often brings a sharp rise in emergency department (ed) visits as viruses spread quickly among children. this year, we are seeing rsv, influenza and mycoplasma (walking pneumonia) overlap, along with winter stomach bugs like norovirus. while the healthcare team is there to help, parents and caregivers play a critical role in ensuring their child has the most positive experience possible, even in the face of long wait times and unfamiliar procedures. here are a couple tips when bringing your child to the ed this season:
pack for comfort and distraction
an emergency department can be an overwhelming environment for a child. bright lights, loud noises, and long waits can heighten a child’s anxiety and stress, particularly when they are already feeling unwell. parents can help create a more calming environment by bringing along familiar items such as a cozy blanket, a favourite toy, or a stuffed animal. dress your child for comfort; pyjamas might be the best choice, regardless of the time of day. strollers make great beds for babies during long waits; bring it along if you have one. snacks and water can also help keep your child comfortable during a potentially lengthy stay, but be sure to check with the triage nurse, first, that your child is allowed to eat while waiting.
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don’t underestimate the power of distraction. books, sticker books, colouring supplies, or electronic devices loaded with movies or games can be lifesavers during long waits. if you’re bringing a device, remember to pack a charger to keep it powered. these small steps can help your child feel more secure while reducing stress in a high-stimulus environment. noise-cancelling headphones might help too, to cut the noise of the ed chaos for your child.
don’t be afraid to ask for pain management
pain and fear are often intertwined for children in the ed, especially when they are undergoing painful procedures like blood tests, iv insertions, or nose swabs. parents and caregivers should feel empowered to advocate for evidence-based pain management strategies to minimize their child’s discomfort.
for example, if your child needs an iv, you can ask the care team about using a numbing cream, which can reduce the pain of the needle poke. for younger children or infants, sugar water or breastfeeding can be effective ways to provide comfort during minor procedures. if your child needs a nose swab, distraction techniques such as blowing bubbles, playing a game, or watching a video can help them stay calm and reduce their perception of pain. if you are in the waiting room and sense your child might be in pain or have a fever, you can ask for tylenol or advil from your nurse. many children’s hospitals have child life specialists on staff, who work with your family to make the experience best for your child, through information, distraction, and pain care. ask if your hospital has one!
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waiting is hard but we can help our children
there is lots of information you can look at before you go or while you are waiting. solutions for kids in pain have online tools for easing pain during tests and echo-arche has videos you can watch. when parents and healthcare professionals work together, children get the best pain care and ed experiences. you know your child best. don’t be afraid to ask for what they need.
every family deserves compassionate, evidence-based care during stressful times like an ed visit. small actions, like packing familiar comfort items or asking for numbing cream, may seem minor but can have a big impact on how your child experiences medical care. as parents and caregivers, you are your child’s strongest advocate. by planning ahead, staying informed, and speaking up for their needs, you can help create a more positive experience—even in the often-chaotic environment of the emergency department. this winter viral season, let’s work together to make emergency care less scary for children and their families.”
dr. justina marianayagam, md is a pediatric resident physician at bc children’s hospital and co-chair at the governing council for solutions for kids in pain. dr. samina ali, md, frcpc is a pediatric emergency medicine physician at stollery children’s hospital and western hub lead for solutions for kids in pain.
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