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Bring Your Camera when You Take a Child to the Emergency Room

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An emergency room visit can be a terrifying event in a child's life.

When my son was about eight, he came home complaining of pain in his groin after a visit to my mother's house. My brother and his family had also been there, and the children had been watching television in another room. I had heard the shout of pain from Jason, and on investigating he said his cousin had kicked him. My nephew said it was an accident. I didn't see any obvious damage at the time, so I just gave mom comfort and went back to the adults. I expected that by the next morning all would be well.

The next morning Jason was limping and I began to be concerned that maybe there was something wrong that wasn't obvious. I did know Jason had a low pain threshold, but I did want to make sure there was nothing wrong that should be treated. His doctor said to take him to the emergency room to have him checked out. Jason was pretty apprehensive, as most children are when brought into official contact with medical personnel -- especially in an ER setting. Jason had never been to the ER before. When we got there, I noticed I had a camera in my purse, and I decided to see if using it could help distract Jason from his fears. I told him I would be taking his picture every step of the way and that at the end I would show everyone how brave he had been. And that's what I did.

Have you ever taken a sick or hurt child to the emergency room ?

If so, what was he or she afraid of what might happen? Jason was normally healthy and happy, but not when he was hurt, or thought he was. If he thought a doctor visit might include a shot or other unpleasant procedure, he was definitely apprehensive. How about your children?

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The Wheel Chair-- Standard Emergency Room Equipment for Leg Problems

Jason in wheel chair at emergency roomWhen we got to the emergency room and checked in, one of the first things they did was put Jason in a wheel chair, since the problem involved his leg or groin area. That surprised me, but in spite of the way he's holding his head in this picture, he actually enjoyed wheeling himself around when he got the hang of it. He was not in a lot of pain, especially if he wasn't walking. He's probably holding his head because he's not sure exactly where they will take him in that wheel chair and what will happen when he gets there. But he knows I will be taking his picture, so he will try to act more bravely than he feels.

Note to Self:

Keep camera or cell phone with camera in purse at all times, so it's handy in case of emergency or other unusual events.

Getting an X ray at the emergency room

X ray equipment can be intimidating if you've never seen it.

Getting an X ray in the emergency room

In fact, it might be downright frightening. It's huge and it hangs right on top of you. What it it falls? What does it do to you?

I assured Jason that an X ray doesn't hurt -- that it's just a very large and very fancy camera. All it does is take a picture of what's under his skin where his pain is so the doctor can see what might be wrong. That took away his fear of that procedure.

A Special Thank You to Beth Day

Since I took the pictures for this next module over twenty years ago, my memory was pretty fuzzy as to the order these next pictures should be in. I was able to call on Beth, who has become my friend on Squidoo, and who is a nurse, for help. I sent her the pictures with what I thought was the right order. She looked at them and explained the ones I didn't understand. I would have asked more questions and taken notes if I'd known then I'd be writing about this in twenty years. I'd like to share some of Beth's great lenses with you. You can also visit her store on Zazzle to see some of her great designs: Design by Day.
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The next procedure was not so easy, camera or no camera

It involved getting poked with a needle for blood tests.

Reassuring Jason about the blood work was doubly hard for me. First, he is scared to death anytime he sees his own blood. He would scream bloody murder on the frequent occasions when he got nose bleeds, and it goes without saying that it was even worse if the blood came from a wound. He didn't think much of shots, either. To make matters worse, I have often fainted when I or someone near me got a shot at school. I am one who empathizes too much with the pain, or even imagined pain, of others. I told Jason there would be a prick that might hurt for a minute and I encouraged him to be brave. I think taking the pictures helped to distract both of us. In this picture the nurse is wrapping Jason's arm to prepare it for drawing blood.

Reassuring Jason about the blood work was doubly hard for me. First, he is scared to death anytime he sees his own blood. He would scream bloody murder on the frequent occasions when he got nose bleeds, and it goes without saying that it was even worse if the blood came from a wound. He didn't think much of shots, either. To make matters worse, I have often fainted when I or someone near me got a shot at school. I am one who empathizes too much with the pain, or even imagined pain, of others. I told Jason there would be a prick that might hurt for a minute and I encouraged him to be brave. I think taking the pictures helped to distract both of us. In this picture the nurse is wrapping Jason's arm to prepare it for drawing blood.

Reassuring Jason about the blood work was doubly hard for me. First, he is scared to death anytime he sees his own blood. He would scream bloody murder on the frequent occasions when he got nose bleeds, and it goes without saying that it was even worse if the blood came from a wound. He didn't think much of shots, either. To make matters worse, I have often fainted when I or someone near me got a shot at school. I am one who empathizes too much with the pain, or even imagined pain, of others. I told Jason there would be a prick that might hurt for a minute and I encouraged him to be brave. I think taking the pictures helped to distract both of us. In this picture the nurse is wrapping Jason's arm to prepare it for drawing blood.
Here the nurse is preparing the needles and explaining what will happen. You can see the apprehension in Jason's eyes.
This is where the rubber meets the road, or, in this case, where the needle pricks the arm and the blood drawing starts. You can see he doesn't like this much, but he is being brave about it.
Here the nurse is filling the tubes with blood as Jason watches, now free of fear because the worst is over.
The nurse is now mixing the preservatives into the tubes of blood where needed so they can be sent to the lab.

This "Give Blood" design on Zazzle tickled my funny bone and I had to share it.

This is the lens where it is most related. It's available on a few different product types.

You can customize many of these products to suit yourself. I just thought this design my friend Sandy "Spider" was clever and I wanted more people to see it.

Full Mosquito - State Bird sticker
Full Mosquito - State Bird by Sandyspider

Full Mosquito - State Bird mug
Full Mosquito - State Bird by Sandyspider
See other Full mosquito Mugs
Full Mosquito - State Bird hat
Full Mosquito - State Bird by Sandyspider
Make trucker hats online at zazzle

A note in reply to some of your comments

A few people have expressed surprise that I was able to take a camera into the ER. I don't remember asking anyone if it was OK, since I was only photographing my son. I believe the lady who drew the blood gave permission to be included when I explained why I was doing it. If someone had tried to stop me, I would have stopped. That day I just had a small camera in my purse quite by accident and decided to use it. Most medical personnel are probably too busy to care what you are doing with your child as long as it helps, not hurts. Had I been walking up and down trying to take pictures of nurses treating patients I didn't know, or just walking into rooms to try to photograph such patients, that would have been a privacy violation and probably against the rules. I'm guessing most hospitals haven't thought of making a rule about this yet. I wouldn't be inclined to ask permission from the person in admitting, just because if they didn't have a policy yet, it might inspire them to make one. I'm sure if you unknowingly violate a hospital rule, someone will let you know. I didn't see any signs about not using a camera in the building, such as the ones I saw about no smoking and other such rules. So I didn't feel I was doing something wrong in taking my own child's picture. If someone else is involved, such as someone performing a procedure, I'd let them know what I wanted to do and why and see if they are willing to be part of it.

This was in the days before the Internet, and cameras and cell phones with cameras weren't everywhere yet. I do see signs in medical offices and hospitals about cell phones in certain areas, but I think that's because they might interfere with heart monitors and other electronic equipment.

The Results of our Trip to the Emergency Room

Jason's wreath, made by Sally Losey, is place on his grave in 2003.

No major problems were found and for another six years Jason led a normal, happy, active life, swimming, biking, and spending time with family and friends. We enjoyed home schooling, camping trips, and traveling to many places in the United States. My camera went everywhere with us, just in case something unusual might happen, and also to chronicle everything we enjoyed seeing and doing.

But neither I nor my camera were present in 1991 when Jason had a fatal accident on his first jet ski ride. This time there was no ER visit. He collided with a motorboat on his way to the shore. By the time help arrived, he was almost gone. His leg had been cut by the boat's propeller, and he bled to death before the paramedics even arrived. He was conscious only long enough to call for help.

I often wonder if a premonition of how he would die might have been behind his fear at the sight of his own blood -- even when there was no pain. I'm told Jason's death was quick and that he probably did not feel the pain because he was in shock. He died in the arms of our pastor, who had invited him to attend the outing at the lake that day. We are thankful for the years Jason was with us and brightened our lives, and we will always miss him. His one great unfulfilled desire was to ride a jet ski. I wonder if he would have gotten on had he known it would take him to Heaven.

The picture here was taken on the day of my aunt's funeral. I had taken my mom to Long Beach, and before the service, I had my mom take this picture. For years this wreath, made by a dear friend in Jason's memory to adorn his casket, had been hanging on our wall. It was beginning to look pretty grungy after 12 years, and it wasn't washable, so I decided to retire it where Jason was buried. It seemed fitting.

This lens was just awarded a purple star.

To find out more about the significance of a purple star, I will refer you to the Queen of the Purple Stars, Norma Budden, whose picture I have placed here. For now I'll just say it's a great honor that has made me very happy.

Purple Squid Products postcard
Purple Squid Products by Norma_Budden
Browse Purple Postcards

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Please leave any comments here. Feel free to share ways you have dealt with your children's fears of medical procedures

  • Annamadagan Mar 24, 2012 @ 3:55 pm | delete
    I had to go to the Emergency room just a week ago, to have my appendix out. I am only 12 years old, so it was scary. I didn't know what was happening, and it was scary being in the hospital. It's a fun idea to keep a camera handy, and my mom took lots of pictures of me while I was in the hospital for 6 whole days. I am so sorry about Jason's accident. *Blessed by a Squid Angel.
  • debnet Jul 12, 2011 @ 1:23 pm | delete
    Blessed by a Squid Angel ;)
  • sandyspider Aug 4, 2010 @ 11:13 pm | delete
    Thanks for featuring my Give Blood products. It really does fit in.
  • JoyfulPamela Jun 18, 2010 @ 10:13 am | delete
    You have very touching stories. Thank you for sharing them.
  • MsSnow4a May 15, 2010 @ 8:15 pm | delete
    Nice that you were able to take pictures and congrats on the purple star
  • vanidiana May 10, 2010 @ 9:18 pm | delete
    Congratulation for the purple star! He was a brave young man, you must be very proud to have him in your life.
  • Pastiche May 8, 2010 @ 9:00 am | delete
    Excellent advice, whether to soothe the child or document treatment for insurance or otherwise. I have a friend whose mother documented his hospital treatment in 1988 - it helped him to win a sizable damages award from the insurance company to help pay for ongoing care of physical and head injuries he received in a 40-foot fall through a circus tent roof.
  • BuckHawk May 8, 2010 @ 6:16 am | delete
    Very well done - the perfect way to ease a child's nerves in all sorts situations. 5*
  • Brookelorren May 7, 2010 @ 2:41 pm | delete
    I'm sorry for the end of your story. I have ER pictures too... I usually keep my camera with me.
  • Ladymermaid May 7, 2010 @ 10:21 am | delete
    Very nicely done - I love the shot shots!
  • MissMerFaery May 6, 2010 @ 1:59 pm | delete
    A great idea Barb! What a lovely boy Jason was. I wasn't expecting the end of your lens and it brought a lump to my throat. My heartfelt blessings to you x
  • The-Java-Gal May 5, 2010 @ 2:04 pm | delete
    I share the same feelings expressed in all the other comments. From your other lenses, I am somewhat familiar with Jason's tragedy. The note I wanted to add - it amazing how you went back to old pictures, even got help in organizing them, and put a complete story together. For all of us, that should be an inspiration in lens-writing. For you, I hope it helped in the healing process. 5*s
  • tssfacts May 5, 2010 @ 8:26 am | delete
    What a touching lens. I must admit I was surprise that you were allowed a camera in the ER. Your explanation of the x-ray machine would put any child at ease. It's hard to go through a death in a family. It's especially harder if God isn't there to bring comfort.
  • OhMe May 5, 2010 @ 5:50 am | delete
    Thank you for sharing this story. A beautiful tribute to your son. My heart goes out to you.
    Aren't you so glad that you had your camera that day in the ER.
  • Norma_Budden May 5, 2010 @ 12:35 am | delete
    Wow, Barb! You never cease to amaze me. What an honor for you to feature my card and post the little blurb as you did; what a surprise!

    This lens has been added to your feature, by the way. Congratulations!
  • Susan52 May 4, 2010 @ 6:15 pm | delete
    How wonderful to be able to remember your son in this way, a way to help other parents. I'm sure he would approve. Amazingly, with two sons we only had one ER visit, for a couple of stitches. I cried more than my little son did. Glad nobody snapped a picture of me. :-)
  • seegreen May 4, 2010 @ 4:04 pm | delete
    I was surprised that the hospital allowed you to take photos. I've always assumed they wouldn't but what a clever idea. The end of your story was not expected and put a lump in my throat. I can't imagine dealing with the pain you have gone through.
  • Sylvestermouse May 4, 2010 @ 12:54 pm | delete
    Barb, I am so sorry that your son was in that tragic accident. There are no words to adequately express my sympathy and sorrow for you and your family.

    I also think your idea to take the camera to the hospital was inspired and brilliant.
  • sandyspider May 4, 2010 @ 10:48 am | delete
    A wonderful and bittersweet tribute to your son. Never thought of taking a camera along. That was a great idea. 5 Stars.
  • NaturalMommys May 3, 2010 @ 11:56 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing such a touching lens. I am sorry you had to lose your son on this physical level, I am sure he is smiling from above. Love the idea for a lens too what a great way to help parents. 5*'s Rocket Mom!
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You can read more about Jason's life in these lenses.

After you've read them I think you will see why Jason added so much sunshine to our lives.
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More about BarbRad

I have always been empathetic. Sometimes this is good, since it helps when I try to comfort someone who is is emotional pain. Sometimes this is bad, such as when I went to pick up my husband after his oral surgery and I passed out while waiting with him in the recovery room before his release. This makes me a terrible hospital visitor.

God gave me the strength to handle being with my mom a lot in hospitals and ER visits, but I still left the room if they were doing any blood work on her. She understood, because she knew my weakness. Evidently my aunt had also had this weakness, and Mom had often been the one watching the doctor sew up my cousins' wounds when they needed it. All three of us had split our chins open when we were kids, and Mom watched the same doctor stitch us up.
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BarbRad

In my life I've been student, public library clerk, English teacher in public school, elementary teacher in private schools,card buyer for Logos Bookstore... more »

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