Through the eyes of a child in the emergency room

During a special workshop at Aarau Cantonal Hospital, the Giggle Doctors swapped their colorful coats for a different role — that of young patients in the pediatric emergency unit. This immersive experience allowed them to deepen their understanding of medical care and strengthen their collaboration with healthcare teams.

With unfamiliar faces and intimidating procedures, pediatric emergencies can be overwhelming. Children often arrive in pain or injured, which only adds to their stress. Whether it’s a blood test, a cast being applied, or a breathing treatment, Giggle Doctors are increasingly called upon to help soothe young patients during medical interventions. Their presence not only supports healthcare staff but also offers children a moment of comfort and courage. To better understand the needs of these children, our artists step into their shoes as part of this ongoing training.

As part of the training, Dr. Vala Willi takes on the role of a little girl who fell at the park. Strapped tightly to a spinal board, unable to move, she discovers firsthand what children experience when spinal injuries are suspected. With her eyes fixed on the ceiling and her field of vision narrowed, she confides: “I’m scared. I feel completely helpless in this situation.” That’s when Giggle Doctor Adagio steps in, gently approaching with his ukulele. He asks her what her favorite song is. “Pippi Longstocking,” she whispers. With just a few notes, the music begins to carry her away. This powerful moment helps Dr. Vala Willi better understand how to connect with a child facing the same ordeal.

The second role-play begins: Dr. Pirouette takes on the role of a young patient admitted for breathing difficulties. She experiences the chill of the airflow and the startling noise of the inhalation mask — an opportunity to better grasp why this vital device can seem so frightening to children.

After the exercises, the artists reflect on what they felt. Thanks to feedback from the medical staff, they realize how small gestures or a gentle interaction can transform a stressful moment into something more manageable. “You Giggle Doctors are the only treatment without side effects,” says Erika Nussberger, head of the pediatric emergency unit at Aarau Cantonal Hospital and coordinator of the workshop.

Seeing medical care from a child’s perspective — that’s what this workshop, led by a medical team, offers to these professional artists. These real-life scenarios help deepen their understanding of both the emotional needs of young patients and the constraints faced by hospital staff. As a result, they’re able to develop new ways of offering comfort without interfering with medical procedures.

Seeing medical care from a child’s perspective — that’s what this workshop, led by a medical team, offers to these professional artists. These real-life scenarios help deepen their understanding of both the emotional needs of young patients and the constraints faced by hospital staff. As a result, they’re able to develop new ways of offering comfort without interfering with medical procedures.

Indeed, the more the Giggle Doctors understand what children are going through, the better they can create meaningful, gentle, and magical interactions — right at the heart of care.