Podcasts · Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles - Advanced Continuing Education for Paramedics, EMTs & Prehospital Care Providers

Readiness Beyond the Medicine: Neurodivergence, Pediatrics, and Better Communication

· 52 min · Episode 132 · Explicit

Episode Readiness Beyond the Medicine: Neurodivergence, Pediatrics, and Better Communication

0:00 51:47

Readiness is about more than knowing the medicine. It’s about creating the conditions for patients, families, and clinicians to feel safer and more capable when the situation is unfamiliar, overwhelming, or high risk. First up, Boston MedFlight flight nurse Nicole King discusses neurodivergence, sensory overload, and how traditional EMS behaviors can unintentionally escalate distress. She explains why slowing down, reducing stimuli, and involving caregivers can completely change the experience for patients who are struggling. Then, Ross talks with pediatric flight nurse and Blakery Content creator Christopher Blake about pediatric readiness and why confidence on low-frequency, high-risk calls has to be built before the tones drop. They discuss pediatric emergency care coordinators, agency-wide readiness, and using QA/QI. In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to recognize when behavior may be the result of sensory overload or difficulty processing the environment • Why pictograms, fidget toys, headphones, sunglasses, and weighted pressure can reduce escalation • How a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator can help an agency identify gaps • Why family-centered communication can reduce fear and improve cooperation • How to adapt your assessment when a patient cannot tolerate standard vital-sign monitoring

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Pediatric Readiness Assessment KultureCity Ben’s Blue Bags and Carter Kits Emergency Medical Services for Children Innovation & Improvement Center Birth Vibes: Stories & Strategies for An Empowered Birth, by Jen Hamilton

Guests: Nicole King, flight nurse, Boston MedFlight Christopher Blake, pediatric flight nurse and creator of Blakery Content

The episode on the publisher’s site (opens in a new tab)

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