How to Teach Kids About Emergency Rooms

You are calmly watching a soccer game and suddenly your child falls on her arm and can̵7;t move her wrist. Your little wrestler just banged his forehead on the coffee table and may need stitches. You cringe when you think of taking your little one to the emergency room, but you̵7;re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 20 percent of all children will visit a hospital̵7;s ER this year. Preparing your child ahead of time helps give him a sense of control in a time of fear and pain.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk about how people get to the ER. When you are passed by an ambulance, point it out. Assure the child that someone inside is being helped. Discuss how many people go to the ER in cars. Don̵7;t go into graphic detail, just reassure the child that grownups know whether to call an ambulance or drive.

    • 2

      Read books about going to the hospital and the ER when the child feels good. Explore the pictures with your child. Point out different types of medical equipment. Some, like a stethoscope or blood pressure cuff, might be familiar to the child from regular doctor visits. But other items such as a stretcher or an oxygen tank may not be recognizable to a child. Use child-friendly terms such as a ̶0;bed on wheels̶1; for the stretcher.

    • 3

      Listen and answer any questions that might arise from reading. Answer the questions honestly but with care. For example, if your child asks if an IV hurts, don̵7;t lie. Tell him that there is a little pain when the needle slides into the arm, but that it is done to make the patient feel better. Being honest helps build trust with your child when you will need it most.

    • 4

      Get a small toy medical kit for the child. Show the child how all of the different things work in the kit. Pretend that a stuffed toy or doll has to visit the emergency room. Encourage your child to be the doctor and assist him as the nurse.

    • 5

      Visit your local hospital. Many hospitals have pre-admission visits for children in the community. If your hospital doesn̵7;t have such a program, try taking an imaginary visit. Pretend that you are going to ER with your child. Together, talk about what it might be like to rush into the hospital and have so many people helping.

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