First responders face numerous emergency events involving children every day, prompting Dr. Lindsey Murphy and Dr. Elizabeth King to delve into their experiences in managing children’s reactions during emergencies. Their research, published in The Journal of Child Life, aimed to identify gaps in meeting children’s psychosocial needs. Dr. Murphy, a certified child life specialist and co-founder of Child Life Disaster Relief, interviewed eight first responders to gain insight into their roles and challenges. She found that children’s reactions during emergencies varied, with responders using tactics like distraction to mitigate trauma. However, gaps in education and training for working with children were revealed, highlighting the need for child life specialists’ support. Dr. Murphy proposes a training program based on case studies to effectively educate first responders. While her research focuses on first responders, she emphasizes that civilians also play a crucial role in supporting children. By being prepared and attentive to children’s needs, individuals can contribute to the well-being of the most vulnerable in emergency situations. Dr. Murphy’s work sheds light on the importance of understanding and addressing children’s needs during emergencies to ensure their physical and emotional well-being.
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