Patient and Family Perspectives
- Published January 31, 2023
Featuring members of EMSC’s Family Advisory Network (FAN).
Name: Sonia Rita
State: New Jersey
Why did you become a FAN? “I wanted to become a FAN because I want to lend my experience and my voice as the mother of a child with complex medical needs to advocate for my little one and families like mine.”
“What is the most important thing for emergency practitioners to know about caring for children in emergencies? “The most important thing for emergency practitioners to know about caring for children in emergencies is that they are not just small adults. Just as their little bodies would react to treatment differently, their minds are also so impressionable, absorbing so much of their surroundings. For some of our children, hospital visits are frequent so it’s important that we keep medical situations as positive as possible. With that in mind, we (guardians, parents, caregivers) can help you help them. We may not know what to do medically, but we know how to care for their minds and hearts. Medical care for kiddos is a team effort and we love being part of that team for better outcomes for our children .”