Margaret, at the time, was 15-months old, when she 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” management and 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, using OPQRST, 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.
Your willingness to provide pain management is a reflection of your ability to empathize with the patient
This article, originally published May 6, 2009, has been updated.
