It was just like any other evening shift at ED-RCH, with me shadowing a Canadian ED physician (who resembled RMH-WH haematologist Dr. Renwick!). We went into resus, after being informed about a 12-month old girl who pulled down a hot, metal water jug on herself, sustaining splash scalds on her forehead, upper trunk, left upper limb and feet. And there she was, looking miserable and wrapped in her mother's arms, with two nurses and a play therapist by their side.
As the little bub turned to look at us when we approached, she started to fret and cry....
Now one would naturally think that was usual, to have unwell/anxious children crying in ED. But our play therapist noticed a pattern with this child's anxiety - whenever the doctor and I approached her (within her view) she'll bawl her lungs out; she was otherwise alright with other staff members.
When the ED physician left us for a bit, the play therapist decided to test her hypothesis by asking me to take my glasses off.
Somewhat puzzled by her request, I nevertheless did what I was told. She then hid my pair away from the bub, and who would have thought - the child immediately stopped crying!!
Amused, the play therapist then began asking the mother if there's anyone who wears glasses at home. She nodded, explaining that the child's grandmother (who lives with them) is the only one in their family who wore glasses, and that she has been quite strict with the little girl....
No wonder the "12-monther" was 'frightened' when she saw both of us (ie: doctor and I). We were the only ones who wore glasses at that time, and our specs somehow reminded her of her grandmother!!!
LOL.
Labels: Medicine/Hospitals/Medics
