This Hospital Allows Kids 'Drive' Into Surgery To Minimize Their Fears And Anxiety

Apr 17, 2019 by apost team

Many people have an understandable fear of doctors and dentists. Although this is an irrational fear, everybody understands the reasons behind these feelings. Doctors and dentists use sharp tools and visiting one of these medical professionals means that something is wrong. Both of these are quite scary situations. Even with the knowledge that these doctors are only there to help, some people still feel this innate fear.

This is especially true when heading into surgery. There is nothing scarier than being rushed through hospital doors while strapped into a gurney.

While this is a terrifying thought for adults, imagine how traumatizing that can be for children.

Nurses and doctors understand how the transition to the operating room can be a scary drive for kids. One nurse in Modesto, California had a great idea to help reduce this fear.

apost.com

A nurse working at Doctors Medical Center was heartbroken every time she saw a child wheeled into the operating room with a terrified look on their face. She decided to come up with a way of moving children to the operating room in a manner that was less stressful and less scary.

Kimberly Martinez, who works as a pre-op nurse, figured that children would feel more comfortable going to the operating room if the transition could be fun. Now, the children are able to drive into their surgery in a mini car. Patients can choose between a pink Volkswagen Beetle and a black Mercedes.

The children can be in complete control of the car, or a parent can maneuver the car via remote control. The children are no longer entering the operating room with a scared look. Their smiles are proof that this change is making a difference.

In an interview with CBS news, Kimberly admitted that the nurses saw a major difference in the demeanor of the children pre-surgery.

Although children are nervous about the operation at first, their fear instantly melts away when they are told about the cars. It is often traumatizing for a child to be ripped away from their parents and sent into surgery. This gesture acts as a nice transition into something that is usually associated with pain and fear.

According to CBS, Doctors Medical Center bought one of the vehicles. The other car was donated by the family of an employee. This is a great idea that should be spread to other hospitals within the state and the entire country

Have you ever had a similar experience with one of your children or friends' children at the hospital? Share this story to spread the word about this wonderful idea!