Taking the Fear Out of Trips to the ER

ER Kids Health and Safety Fair will focus on interactive learning to help alleviate fear and nervousness related to the hospital’s emergency department.

They hope you don’t need it, but just in case you do, Claremore Regional Hospital will help take the fear out of medical treatment for your children. On Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., their ER Kids Health and Safety Fair will focus on interactive learning to help alleviate fear and nervousness related to the hospital’s emergency department.

“It’s important to educate children in a fun way that the emergency room is not a scary place,” says Peggy Trease, director of marketing. Suddenly becoming sick or injured is frightening, even to adults. But children who don’t understand what is going on often enter an atmosphere of foreboding medical equipment and procedures that appear terrifying. Add to that television hospital dramas, and it’s no wonder kids undergo a traumatic mental experience.

The ER Kids Health and Safety Fair will present important messages in a carnival setting so that kids up to 12 years old will be able to learn on their own levels. “Actually, it’s a learning experience for the whole family,” Peggy adds, speaking of the four outdoor activity zones.

The interactive discovery zone will include models of various body organs, X-rays and other displays.

The rescue vehicle zone will offer an ambulance, police car and fire truck for kids to view up close and ask questions about. The area will include tours of a Lifeflight helicopter. The Claremore Fire Safe House, equipped with artificial smoke, will enable kids and adults to experience a “burning” house and learn what to do to get out safely.

Children will be shown proper bicycle helmets and knee and elbow pads during a bicycle rodeo in the bicycle safety zone. “Here we’re hoping kids will be able to learn safety procedures and share them with adults,” says Peggy, explaining that the orthopedic community has seen a rise across the nation in the mortality rate of adult bike riders, due to them not wearing helmets.

Medical personnel will be on hand to examine teddy bears and other stuffed animals. The teddy bear/mock ER clinic offers blood pressure checks for the bears and their owners. They will share information on medication safety and fever, and they’ll calm nervous “mommies” who are worried about their bears. Of course, the conscientious and caring staff will make sure every bear gets well quickly.  

Beginning at 11 a.m., hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones and bottles of water will be served, free of charge. And to celebrate his tenth birthday, Boo Boo, the ER mascot, will pass out cupcakes and smiles.

An estimated 50 to 60 hospital staffers, auxiliary members and volunteers will make this a great experience for the whole family. No one will be turned away. The ER Health and Safety Fair is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 19. Look for the big tent north of the hospital, past the emergency room entrance.

For more information, contact

Claremore ­Regional Hospital

1202 N. Muskogee Pl.

Claremore, OK 74017

(918) 342-6796