When DD burnt her arm, I panicked majorly. I stripped her cardigan & dress straight off and ran her up to the shower and stood there sobbing with her under the cold water. I was screaming for DH to come in as he was outside. DS was watching me saying helpful things like "mum you pants getting wet" lol. I managed to calm down enough to ask DS to go find DH. DH called 000 and it wasn't until the ambos arrived that I eventually calmed down. DD stopped screaming too once I'd calmed down. I did what was needed re first aid, but I was hysterical at the same time.
When DS split his chin open I was useless. DH was there that time too.
I was better when DS stuck some cereal up his nose. DH wasn't home so I rang mum. She didn't know what to do but suggested the health line. By the time I got through to someone, it had softened enough to pull out with tweezers. I was pretty calm that time. I think the difference was DH not being home, I knew I was it and had to deal with it.
As others have said, I focus on the practical, constructive things I can do to improve the situation. I am an a m b o and I also find that the easiest way to calm a panicked parent (apart from simple reassurance when appropriate!) is to have them focus on a task - stroking a forehead, cuddling and comforting, writing down the child's personal details. Something to refocus. Obviously, at work we have the benefit of providing definitive treatment for an ill or injured child whether it is skill based, drugs or transport. Sometimes (often!) is is simply a matter of reassuring parent's that their child is ok. Obviously, there are times when the outcome is not good and then all I can do is offer some sort of comfort and put in place the next practical steps.
I find I don't tend to panic much with my own kids as I immediately switch into 'professional mode'. It is like there is a seperate part of my brain to deal with emergencies. I am able to recognise when my children are ill that their illnesses are not life threatening and fortunately, none of them have ever suffered serious, life threatening injuries.
I find it much more difficult to cope with the long term worry of my son's renal condition than with a short term crisis.
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