Small toys making a big difference – Ambulance Victoria and Monash University launch paediatric distraction kits

Ambulance Victoria (AV) is proud to announce the rollout of new Paediatric Distraction Kits pilot across every emergency road ambulance in Victoria, giving paramedics simple but powerful tools to reduce fear and anxiety in children during treatment and transport.

The first-of-its-kind, service-wide initiative follows years of advocacy, research, and consultation with paediatric Emergency Physicians and Child Life Therapy experts at The Royal Children’s Hospital.

The kits contain a selection of age-appropriate items such as bubbles, puzzles, stickers, squishy toys, and a magnetic drawing pad, along with a QR code linking to the TLC for Kids Tap 2 Distract app. Each item has been carefully chosen for safety, portability and effectiveness in clinical environments, and is designed to engage children and ease their distress while supporting paramedics to deliver safe, compassionate care.

The project was developed by Associate Professor Dr Kathryn Eastwood ASM, Intensive Care Paramedic at Monash University, and Katrina Sedgwick, ALS Paramedic and Team Manager at Kew Branch, in collaboration with paediatric Emergency Physicians and Child Life Therapy experts at The Royal Children’s Hospital. Their research reviewed the most effective tools used in paediatric emergency departments and adapted them for the unique challenges of the ambulance setting.

Funding for the pilot was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Victorian community, with almost $60,000 in donations ensuring every emergency ambulance can now carry a standardised kit. “These kits are only possible because of the generosity of the community,” Ms Sedgwick said. “It’s a wonderful example of the public helping us deliver better care for children.”

Ms Sedgwick said the kits would make a meaningful difference to the experience of young patients and their families. “As paramedics, we see how frightening it can be for children in an ambulance. These kits give us simple, effective tools to make that experience less scary and more supportive,” she said. “Something as small as a bubble wand or a sticker can change the whole tone of an interaction. It helps children feel safe, and it helps their parents feel reassured too.”

Paramedics have long improvised distraction techniques to comfort children, but this rollout ensures every crew has the same high-quality resources on hand. “For years, paramedics have been drawing faces on gloves to make balloon elephants or finding small toys to help calm children. Now, for the first time, every ambulance will have the same kit, so kids get consistent care wherever they are in Victoria,” Ms Sedgwick said.

The initiative also supports paramedics in their clinical work. Calmer children are more likely to cooperate with treatment, helping procedures run more smoothly and efficiently. Research shows distraction can reduce perceived pain, improve cooperation, and ease anxiety, with benefits flowing to both patients and clinicians.

AV, in partnership with Monash University, will be evaluating the impact of the kits on patient outcomes, paramedic confidence and service delivery. “Now we’re working with Monash University to measure how the kits are performing in real-world use,” Ms Sedgwick said.

“We’ll be looking at how they help children, how they support paramedics, and what the broader benefits are for the service.

Our goal is for distraction to become as routine in paediatric care as any other piece of equipment, and we’re exploring opportunities to build partnerships so this can become an ongoing program.”

This rollout is a tangible example of AV’s commitment to Best Care - safe, evidence-based, and person-centred care that recognises the physical and emotional needs of every patient.

To contribute to amazing initiatives like this, consider making a donation or bequest to Ambulance Victoria.