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.