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When your child is sick or injured, it's natural to want to head straight for the emergency room (ER). You know that you can get care, no matter the time, day, or severity of your child's injury. In some cases, it is a true medical emergency and the ER (also called the emergency department, or ED) is the right place to get care.
The ER is the right place for a child experiencing a mental health crisis that requires medical attention to treat physical symptoms. For example: If you know or think your child has overdosed on medication; If your child has an injury like a gash or broken bone as a result of aggression, impulsiveness, self-harm or any other reason
However, if you think your child is an immediate danger to themselves or to others, it's time to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. This includes danger from: Thoughts of suicide or self-harming behaviors. Threats of violence to (or from) others.
- They're having trouble breathing. It can be hard to tell the difference between a kid who has a bad cough from a cold or the flu and one who’s truly struggling to breathe.
- They have belly pain in one spot. Stomach pain often comes along with diarrhea, constipation or other GI issues, and it can be nothing to worry about. But if it’s preventing your kid from playing, eating and otherwise acting normally, and it is focused in one spot, it could be appendicitis.
- They have a fever plus other specific symptoms. Fever is the most common reason people bring their kids to the hospital, says Ran Goldman, a professor in the department of paediatrics at the University of British Columbia and a paediatric emergency physician.
- They're drinking and peeing more. If kids are guzzling a ton of water and urinating more than usual and those symptoms are accompanied by weight loss, they should go to the ER right away for tests to rule out Type 1 diabetes, says Weerdenburg.
- Plan Ahead and Consider A Pediatric Emergency Room
- Call Your Pediatrician First
- Treat Your Child at Home
- Stay Calm and Tell Your Child What to Expect
- Leave Siblings at Home
- Bring Your Child's Medical History and A List of Medications
- A Comfort Item Can Go A Long Way
- ERS Are Not First Come, First Serve
- You Know Your Child Best—Speak Up!
- Follow Up with Your Pediatrician
In a serious emergency, you should always go to the closest ER—period. Do you know where your nearest ER is located? Do you know which hospital your pediatrician is affiliated with? If you take your child to an urgent care center or ER that does not have pediatricians or pediatric specialists on staff, your child may need to be transferred to a hos...
If you can reach your pediatrician's office, do so. They can give advice on the phone and, if you do need to head to the ER, your pediatrician can call ahead and tell the ER staff to expect you. In a serious emergency, parents should not hesitate to call 911.
It is ok to give your child over-the-counter fever or pain medicinesbefore heading to the ER—The medicine will make a huge difference and often makes the examination process a lot easier. Remember to take note of the time and dosage you gave your child, as it will be one of the first questions you are asked in the ER.
When you panic, your child's anxiety level goes up. For many kids, the anxiety about what's going to happen is worse than the actual pain. Children of all ages look to their parents for reassurance, so it is important to keep communicating. Be honest, but also be sensitive to the situation and his or her age. Let your child know that everyone is th...
If possible, make arrangements so you don't have to bring young siblings to the ER with you. This way, you can focus on the needs of your sick child, and your other children do not have to endure the waiting time. Note that you will need to stay with your child throughout his or her ER stay and are strongly encouraged to stay in the hospital with y...
It's always a good idea to have the following information readily available. You may be asked this information by multiple providers and staff in the ER: 1. Health insurance 2. Your child's primary pediatrician and any other doctors' names and contact information 3. Known allergies 4. Past medical and surgical history 5. List of current medications...
If your child requires a special item to rest or feel at ease, don't hesitate to bring it. A lovey, toy, blanket, book, etc. can help take your child's mind off the pain and less anxious in an unfamiliar place.
Understand that there may be good reasons to wait in the ER. The sickest patients are seen first. If your pediatrician calls the hospital before your arrival, however, it can sometimes help speed up the process. In addition, depending on how sick your child is, he or she may need blood work and/or imaging. Realize that it can take a long time for l...
As a parent, you are the best advocate for your child and the best interpreter of his or her needs. If you think your child is in pain, say so. If you don't think he or she is ready to go home, tell a member of the ER team. Don't be afraid to ask repeated questions and be patient. You and your child will meet lots of different people—the ER is a mu...
After the ER visit, call your pediatrician's office and inform them about the diagnosis. Many ERs will also send a report to your pediatrician's office if you ask them to. Check to see whether your pediatrician has received the report or if he or she has any further recommendations. Many times, your pediatrician will ask to see your child for a fol...
When to use the ER. Severe or life-threatening injuries or symptoms need care right away. The problem may be severe or life-threatening if your child: Passes out (loses consciousness). Has moderate to severe trouble breathing. Has a head injury, such as from a fall or a car crash.
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When to take your child to the ER. December 19, 2020 | by Edward-Elmhurst Health. Categories: Healthy Driven Moms. When your child is sick or injured, it’s natural to panic. There are some emergencies in which the need to call 911 is clear: your child is having trouble breathing, is badly injured, unresponsive or unconscious.
