Patient and Family Perspectives

Featuring members of EMSC’s Family Advisory Network (FAN). Learn more about the FAN.

Name: Donnie Shaw

State/Territory: Washington, D.C.

Why did you become a FAN?

“It was a good fit becoming a FAN representative for the District of Columbia. My 37 years career at the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington allowed me to display the synergy in the agendas between the YMCA and Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC). As a lifelong advocate for child water safety and swim lessons, there is an opportunity to advocate for children services at Children's National Medical Center. I preach that every child should get swim lessons and learn water safety. The YMCA's early learning, child care and out-of-school time child care services have always focused on meeting social, emotional and academic needs and now EMSC is a focus.”

What is the most important thing for emergency practitioners to know about caring for children in emergencies?

“One of the most important things for emergency practitioners to know about caring for children in emergencies is the difference in culture. There are areas in America where different cultures live among each other, such as the District of Columbia. Paying attention to the differences in culture permits a soft landing in dealing with children from various communities, from knowing the language to knowing the customs.”