Kids

There are so many crazy, insane, idiotic, and sad events that happen in the ER. However, every so often, there are those that make me smile, cry, laugh, or just think how lucky I am a to work where I do. Here are a few:

A 5 year old is brought into the ER, just yelling and screaming, complains of everything under the sun from belly ache to fever. Her parents are frantic because they have no clue what is wrong with their precious little child. Once I walked into the room and sat down to talk with her and get her to calm down a bit, she leaned over to me and asked if I could keep a secret. The horrible thoughts of what this child was going to tell were running through my head. She than produced a very small turtle out of her pocket and said I think he is hurt because he won't move. You have to fix him!!! Her big blue eyes full of tears just broke my heart. After looking at the turtle, I got a wash basin and place him in it. I explained to the child that he was just scared and was hiding. After a few minutes, he poked his head out and looked around. The little girl was so excited that she gave me the biggest hug I have ever had. She walked out with wash basin and a very alive turtle a happy camper.

While in triage, a little boy came in with classical symptoms of the influenza, plus a possible ear infection. I provide him with a mask and tried to explain that he needed to wear it so other people did not get what he had. After I put it on him, I looked away for just a minute, when I turned back around he had the mask over his ear. Trying not to laugh, I attempted to adjust the mask for him. He very logically stated," cough ain't bad, sneeze ain't bad, body hurting ain't that bad, but no one wants me to give them this ear!!!"