SUN CITY, Ariz. — A Sun City West Fire District paramedic has come up with an idea to keep children calm and entertained during inter-facility transports. His idea for DVD players in the ambulance has the support of the fire district board.
In the past John Zerby, who has children of his own, has asked parents’ permission to show kids videos from his smartphone, YourWestValley reports.
It helps calm them a lot of times,” he said. “Being in an ambulance for a kid is scary.” If the kids are stable, “watching a video or a cartoon, is a good distraction for them as we’re taking them to the hospital.”
Sun City ambulances transport children from Banner Del Webb Medical Center, which doesn’t have a pediatric unit, to other hospitals in the area that do. Zerby estimates five to 10 children are transported each week.
The Sun City West Fire District board approved the purchase of DVD monitors for four ambulances. They’ll be mounted to the back wall, so that a child who is strapped into a car seat on cot, facing the back of the ambulance, will be able to enjoy some entertainment in the ambulance.
“A little bit of happiness on the way to the hospital,” he said. “It helps keep them in a better mood. Better attitude.”