Mother Knows Best
By Greg Friese
Category: Clinical Practice
Margaret, 15 months old, stood up underneath the kitchen table. After smashing her head against the wood, she crumpled into a sobbing heap. Then she began her frantic search for mommy. Less than a minute later Margaret was consoled and resuming normal play.
When treating any patient in pain — child or adult — follow these timeless “mom pain” treatment principles:
- Offer reassurance that you are working to relieve the patient’s pain
- Use empathy to tell the patient that you understand they are in pain
- Distract the patient with questions and conversation about when times were better and future opportunities
- Apply gentle touch like a pat on the arm, a hand squeeze, or a hand on the shoulder
- Look the patient in the eye as you listen to their complaint and explain your treatment plan
- Tell the patient you are going to do something about their pain and then do it
I think all EMS providers can learn something about patient care from their mothers. Moms, share with us other “mom pain” treatment principles in the comments area.