Disasters, by their very nature, are extremely disruptive to people's lives in addition to the injuries and property destruction they cause. Also, the psychological effects can linger for years, long after the physical damage has been repaired.Although many psychological studies have focused on children there is one aspect of this important topic that has never been addressed – how to begin psychological support in the field immediately after the disaster. EMS personnel by their nature, are compassionate people but have no training or equipment to help children to give psycological help and support to children caught up in a disaster. Hospital pediatric personnel have used play and art therapy for years to help children deal with the psychological trauma of being hospitalized. We present a concept that uses the basics of established hospital play and art therapy that can be easily used by disaster personnel at a disaster scene. Simple supplies and a page of easily understood instructions will allow this forgotten aspect of disaster to be addressed.This paper presents a new concept that outlines how Emergency Personnel can offer support with a minimum of supplies and training.
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