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Introduction:
In 2013, Humanitarian Clowns played a crucial role in a profoundly challenging medical scenario at CMC Hospital in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. This case study highlights the transformative impact of therapeutic clowning in alleviating the trauma of an 11-year-old boy with severe burns.

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Objective:
The primary objective was to use performing arts, including magic, music, and clown antics, to distract and comfort a young burn victim undergoing a painful medical procedure, ultimately minimizing the psychological impact of the traumatic experience.

Context:
The CMC Hospital in Vellore is renowned for its commitment to providing quality healthcare. In this instance, the therapeutic clown team was summoned to a room where an 11-year-old boy with 90% of his body burnt was undergoing a procedure to remove clothing fused to his skin.

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Participants:
- 11-year-old burn victim.
- Parents of the child.
- Medical staff including doctors and nurses.
- Four humanitarian clown volunteers.

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Methods:
1. Ukulele Music and Magic: The clowns entered the room and began playing uplifting music with ukuleles, introducing an element of magic to create a whimsical atmosphere.

2. Distraction through Clown Antics: Using their clowning skills, the team engaged in playful antics to divert the attention of the young boy from the painful procedure.

3. Responsive Performance: The clowns dynamically adjusted their performance, ensuring that the music played continuously to provide a consistent source of distraction during the most challenging moments.

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Key Moment:
As the clowns performed, the boy's screams transformed into fascination, and whenever the music paused, his distress returned. The clowns intuitively resumed playing, maintaining a sense of wonder that distracted the boy from his painful reality. The medical team worked efficiently, assisted by the clowns' efforts to create a more positive environment.

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Outcomes:
1. Reduced Trauma: The use of performing arts significantly reduced the psychological trauma associated with the painful medical procedure for the young burn victim.

2. Improved Cooperation: The distraction provided by the clowns allowed the medical team to complete their work more efficiently and with the cooperation of the young patient.

3. Expressive Gratitude: Both the parents and the medical staff expressed deep gratitude to the clown volunteers for their instrumental role in turning a distressing situation into a more bearable experience.

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Feedback and Reflections:
- Parents of the child appreciated the clowns for bringing moments of joy to an otherwise heartbreaking circumstance.

- Medical professionals acknowledged the value of therapeutic clowning in paediatric healthcare settings.

Lessons Learned:
1. Adaptability in Performance: The clowns' ability to adapt their performance in real-time was crucial in providing continuous distraction for the child.

2. Collaboration with Medical Teams: The collaboration between therapeutic clowns and medical professionals showcased the potential of combining entertainment with healthcare to improve patient experiences.

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Conclusion:
This case study exemplifies the power of therapeutic clowning in mitigating the emotional and psychological challenges faced by young patients undergoing traumatic medical procedures. The harmonious collaboration between Humanitarian Clowns and the medical team at CMC Hospital in Vellore showcases the transformative potential of performing arts in healthcare settings, turning moments of distress into expressions of joy and gratitude.