LRMC develops ER for children

Sgt. Joe Battle
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center

Visiting the emergency room at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center just got a little easier for younger patients.

The Department of Emergency Medicine recently opened a new pediatric treatment room, or PEDS room, designed specifically for children

Hospital staff designed the room to help ease the anxiety of children while being seen at the emergency room, said Air Force Maj. Stephen E. Fecura Jr, LRMC Department of Emergency Medicine assistant chief.

The room has features to help keep the patient’s attention away from the visit and provide a more comfortable environment for them to be examined, said Major Fecura.

The room is decorated with colorful tapestries, an elephant examination table, jungle-themed wall art and an animated airplane stretcher. All decorations help catch their attention and make their visit a little less stressful, said Major Fecura.

A wall-mounted television, video cassette recorder and children’s video tapes are also provided to help children pass the time while waiting for the doctor.

“As a Reservist, I have worked in many civilian hospitals, out of which seven of them have had child-oriented treatment rooms,” said Major Fecura. “I thought that bringing that idea to Landstuhl would greatly benefit the treatment of children here.”

Staff sergeants Andrew Brown and Lauren Ladouceur and Army Spc. Kevin Berry, all medical technicians at LRMC, conceived the idea for a child-friendly room more than one year ago.

The Ramstein Officer Spouses Association donated more than $4,100 to offset the $6,600 cost of redecorating.

“So far, we have had really good feedback about the room from patients,” said Major Fecura.

“The staff of the emergency department here at LRMC is very excited about being the first European Army medical treatment facility to offer a pediatric-focused treatment room,” said Major Fecura. “We hope that continued efforts are made toward improvements that will result in better customer satisfaction for our valued patrons.”