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If you were to ask Dr. Saar Hashavya for his favorite story coming out of the Pediatric Emergency Department that he heads at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, he’d say it’s not what you'd expect.
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While there are miraculous patient stories, he says it’s the everyday story of seeing children in pain, giving them treatment and seeing them go home happy. “After 20 years, it’s more important to know that most children with minor injuries are getting excellent treatment and are happy to come back. It means that they see us as a safe place rather than a scary place.”
When children do first come in scared and anxious, Dr. Hashavya says his department uses an advanced sedation treatment that keeps the patients awake yet very calm, adjusting it based on their anxiety levels.
The doctors are then able to tackle all their department’s emergencies, ranging from medical, such as pneumonia and fever; surgical, such as fractures and lacerations; extreme, such as resuscitations and the need for urgent care; and major trauma, also requiring urgent care.
There are steps parents can take to avoid pediatric emergencies altogether, according to Dr. Hashavya. At the same time, he shares ways to determine if a child is having one.
What Else You’ll Hear
- Is a child’s mental health connected to their physical health?
- What are the most commonly swallowed foreign objects needing removal?
- How are parent/child emergencies handled?
- How is care prioritized in the pediatric emergency department?