Patient and Family Perspectives: Nickol O'Toole

Featuring members of EMSC’s Family Advisory Network (FAN).

Name: Nickol O'Toole

State: New York

Why did you become a FAN? “I wanted to become a FAN to help educate parents in becoming advocates for their children.”

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 not to go into a scene with blinders on. They need to take in everything about the child, ask the parents the appropriate questions and look at the atmosphere that the child is in. Always be respectful to the families and or guardians of the child, as this is a stressful time not only for the patient but for the family as well.“