by Amanda Meyer
Child Life Specialist

A visit to the Emergency Department is usually filled with unknowns.  It might be new and unique environment to you and there are many different procedures, protocols, and medications that may be used. You are always encouraged to ask questions, especially if there is something you don’t understand or need repeated. I thought it might be helpful to create a dictionary of common words used in the ED. As always, it doesn’t HURT to ask!
 
Things you may hear in the ED:

Abscess: an area or bump that is infected (sick)
Afebrile: no fever
Arm board: soft pillow that goes under the arm/hand to hold it straight
Blood draw: procedure to take a small amount of blood from a vein to use for tests
Bolus: A large amount medicine given through an IV
Cast: A solid plaster mold that is used to keep a bone from moving 
Cast Saw: A machine used to remove and cut off a cast (very loud but does not cut skin)
Catheter (urine): A straw that is used to collect pee from the bladder
Comfort Positioning: Different ways to hold your child that provide security and comfort and help with procedures and exams
Intranasal: Within the nose (medication can be given through the nose to provide fast relief)
IV: Little straw that is placed in the vein (blue lines) that can be used to get blood for tests and used to administer medication
Numb: an area that is temporarily asleep and has no sensation
NPO: Nothing to eat or drink
Otoscope: tool used to look inside the ear
Pain Scale: Rating system used to determine your child’s level of pain
PCP: Primary Care Physician (your child’s regular doctor)
Splint: A hard board that is used to hold a broken bone in place to keep it still
Sterile: Medical supplies that are 100% clean, germ, and infection free (cannot be touched our used without sterile gloves)
Sutures: Also known as stitches- used to repair a cut (little bow-ties)
Triage: Area where your child is assessed to determine their medical needs
Vitals: Temperature, blood pressure, heat rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen levels 

People in the ED:

Attending Physician: A doctor trained in pediatric emergency medicine that is responsible for your child’s care and directs the health care team
Chaplain: Provides spiritual care, counseling, emotional support, prayer and comfort
Charge Nurse: Lead nurse in charge of supervising ED staff and making daily decisions
Child Life: Trained and educated to help children overcome their fears, provide preparation, support, teaching, and comfort
EDT: Paramedic or Emergency Medical Technicians specially trained to work in our ED to perform procedures, assessments, and provide medical care
Fellow: A doctor who has completed their residency and is training specifically in pediatric emergency medicine
Nurse: Specially trained to work with pediatric patients to provide emergency medical care
Registration: Collects your personal information so it can be properly recorded
Resident: A doctor who is receiving further training in pediatrics or emergency medicine
Social Work: Trained and educated to care for the social and emotional needs of families
Volunteers: offer their time to serve patients and families and make the visit easier

Keep checking for additional posts about the emergency department!