Have you ever heard these myths about preparing children for ambulance rides and hospital transfers? Myth 1: Children don't need any special preparation for medical transportation. Myth 2: It's best to keep children in the dark about what to expect during the ride. Myth 3: Distractions like toys or electronics can prevent children from feeling anxious. In this episode, our guest Josh Itano will debunk these myths and share the truth about how to prepare children for a smooth and anxiety-free medical transportation experience.

Join host Katie Taylor as she interviews ambulance paramedic Josh Itano, who shares valuable insights on how to prepare children for ambulance rides and hospital transfers. Learn how to ease your child's anxiety and create a comforting environment, but be prepared for a shocking moment that will leave you questioning what happens next. Find out more on the Child Life On Call podcast.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Navigate the intricate relationship between Child Life and EMS for effective emergency service delivery.

• Realize the value of establishing strong family communication mechanisms during emergency medical situations.

• Unearth helpful strategies to make ambulance rides and hospital transfers less daunting for children.

• Unwrap the significance of preparation books and visual aids in children's adaptation to medical scenarios.

• Investigate how creating a comforting environment affects pediatric patients' overall experience.

My special guest is Josh Itano.

Meet Josh Itano, an empathetic first-responder whose commitment to his profession is evident in the extra steps he takes to provide comfort during stressful times. After spending over three and half years working as an EMT Basic, Josh's experiences span from serving suburban Chicago neighborhoods to aiding in wilderness settings. He's been an EMTB Field Training officer and chaplain, and he voluntarily serves the Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department. Josh brings to light the critical aspect of communication during high-stress situations and shares his experiences dealing with a range of patients, including those dealing with psychological distress.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:01:15 - Why Josh Reached Out, 00:05:37 - Communicating with Kids, 00:09:20 - Validating and Listening, 00:11:53 - Being Honest and Detailed, 00:14:37 - What Happens During an Ambulance Call, 00:15:57 - Inbound Report and Hospital Arrival, 00:17:56 - Sensory Issues and Sirens, 00:19:16 - Involving Parents and Normalizing the Experience, 00:24:31 - Parents Taking Care of Themselves

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When you download our starter kit, you’ll learn how to:

• Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
• Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
• Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn’t send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you’re facing.

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