II. Technique: Coping and Behavioral Methods
- Desensitization (e.g. child allowed to pretend with IV catheter tubing, applying it to their stuffed animal)
- Metaphors (e.g. XRay and MRI are big cameras that take pictures and make noise)
- Step-by-step walk through of what's to come
- The doctor will start at your head, and look in your ears and then your nose
- We will walk down the hall to the elevator, then go through the surgery waiting area...
- Shown pictures of Ambulance before their transport
III. Technique: Distraction
- Ask about their pets, school, playtime, favorites (toy, color, game)
- Blowing bubbles (can also be used to teach diaphragmatic breathing for relaxation)
- Light spinners or pin-wheels or other toys with bright lights and sounds
- Children videos on a computer tablet (e.g. IPad)
- "I Spy" games
- Play children's music during procedures
IV. References
- Lin and Beckler in Herbert (2016) EM:Rap 16(6):7-8
- Kosoko and Tobar (2021) Crit Dec Emerg Med 35(11): 3-9