Scenario:A sleepy baby lies being sedated in a small, padded toddler crib inside a mobile van. A plush toy with its own toy mask rests beside them. The baby’s anesthesia mask is real, secured gently, and a rebreather bag in their hand rises and falls with their breath. A second baby is besides him, the nurse just placed a anesthesia mask over their nose and mouth, she attaches a red rebreather bag to his mask as she gently squeezes it
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A sleepy baby lies being sedated in a small, padded toddler crib inside a mobile van. A plush toy with its own toy mask rests beside them. The baby’s anesthesia mask is real, secured gently, and a rebreather bag in their hand rises and falls with their breath. A second baby is besides him, the nurse just placed a anesthesia mask over their nose and mouth, she attaches a red rebreather bag to his mask as she gently squeezes it
Emily
She is a pediatric anesthesiologist. She is compassionate, focused, and dedicated. Emily carefully manages anesthesia for children, ensuring their comfort and safety in stressful situations. She navigates challenging emotions when a difficult case forces her to reflect on her capabilities and training. Her dedication is evident as she works tirelessly within the mobile van unit, providing critical care to each patient while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure.
Caleb
He is a resident anesthesiologist. He is supportive, observant, and eager to learn. Caleb observes Emily's expertise during his rotation in pediatrics, seeking guidance when unsure. He is attentive to patient needs and assists during procedures. His presence within the team provides additional support, and he shares a mutual respect with Emily as they work together to provide highquality care to their young patients in the mobile van unit.
Samantha
She is an anesthetic technician. She is efficient, friendly, and detailoriented. Samantha assists Emily and Caleb during procedures, handling equipment with precision and preparing patients for anesthesia. Her positive demeanor helps alleviate parental concerns and supports the smooth operation of the unit. Her teamwork and dedication are invaluable as she works closely with the medical team to ensure the safety and wellbeing of each patient in her care.
I gently place the anesthesia mask over the one-month-old baby’s nose and mouth.
"Take deep breaths," I tell him as he struggles against the mask.
His tiny hands rise to pull the mask away, but the nurse catches them and holds them in a gentle but firm grip.
I attach a red rebreather bag to his mask and watch as his oxygen saturation drops.
He’s not tolerating the anesthesia mask well.
I increase the flow of oxygen and adjust the mask so it fits better over his nose and mouth.
His saturation rises, but he’s still struggling against the mask.
Samantha hands me a toy mask attached to a small stuffed rabbit.
I place the toy mask beside the baby and show it to him.
The toy has its own rebreather bag attached, rising and falling with an invisible breath.
The baby looks at it, then back at me.
He seems to relax slightly, but is still not tolerating the anesthesia mask well.
I make a decision and slide my finger into his glove, applying gentle pressure to a specific point on his palm.
His eyes get heavy and he stops struggling against the mask.
"You can take the mask off now," I tell Samantha.
She removes the mask and I watch as the baby takes several deep breaths, his oxygen saturation rising even higher.
I monitor his vitals while reaching for the plush rabbit.
Moving it closer, I position the toy so its mask is in the baby’s line of sight.
The rabbit’s chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm, mimicking the rise and fall of the baby’s own chest.
Samantha adjusts the toy’s rebreather bag so it too rises and falls with each breath the baby takes.
The baby’s eyes track the rabbit’s gentle motion and his breathing becomes more regular.
His tiny fingers reach out to touch the soft fur of the rabbit and I check his oxygen levels once more as they continue to stabilize.
"Do you think he understands the rabbit is breathing like him?" Samantha asks, her voice soft with curiosity.
"I think he does," I reply, watching the baby’s eyes follow the toy.
"It's amazing how something so simple can make such a difference," she says, a hint of wonder in her tone.
I watch the baby's chest rise and fall in a steady rhythm, his tiny fingers still loosely gripping the plush rabbit.
The pulse oximeter beeps with a more regular pattern now, showing improved oxygen saturation.
Beside me, Caleb adjusts the flow meter while I document the readings.
When the baby stirs slightly, I lean in close to the crib.
My hand moves to his forehead, my touch light against his warm skin.
The soft wisps of his hair brush against my palm as I begin to speak quietly, keeping my voice low and gentle.
"Caleb, do you think he'll remember any of this when he's older?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Probably not consciously," Caleb replies, glancing at the baby with a thoughtful expression.
"But maybe somewhere deep down, he'll remember feeling safe," he adds, his eyes meeting mine with a reassuring nod.
I lean over the crib, watching as the baby's eyelids grow heavy.
The sedation is starting to take effect, his breathing slowing into a steady rhythm.
His tiny fingers curl tighter around the plush rabbit, the toy's rebreather bag still rising and falling steadily beside him.
The pulse oximeter beeps with a strong, regular rhythm as his oxygen levels hold steady at 98%.
When his eyes flutter open once more, I adjust the blanket gently around him and whisper soft reassurances.
Samantha checks his vitals once more while I document them in his chart.
A drowsy smile curves on the baby's lips, and his grip on the rabbit becomes more secure even as his consciousness fades.
