A parent of an injured child is reacting hysterically, what should you do?

Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that they are okay to feel this way is the most appropriate response in this situation. When dealing with a parent in distress, validating their emotions is crucial. Hysterical reactions are common during emergencies, especially when a child is involved. By acknowledging their feelings, you provide support and establish a connection, which may help calm their fears and anxieties.

Reassuring the parent that it’s normal to feel upset helps de-escalate the situation, allowing you to maintain focus on providing necessary care to the injured child. Establishing this emotional connection can create an environment where the parent feels heard and involved without dismissing their concerns.

The other approaches may fail to provide the necessary emotional support needed in such a crisis. Ignoring the parent's response could heighten their sense of helplessness and fear for their child. Assertively telling them to calm down might be perceived as dismissive or confrontational, further escalating their distress. Redirecting their attention to another injury could confuse or upset them more, as they are primarily focused on the immediate situation involving their child.