Parents have all been there.
When your child is sick or injured, the debate over where to go begins. 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.
But many times, the situation is less obvious. Is it bad enough to go to the emergency room, or should we call our pediatrician? Would an immediate care center be the right place to go?
The need to choose quickly makes it even more difficult.
If your child has a life-threatening injury or illness, seek care at an emergency room immediately.
“If their condition is not life-threatening but is still concerning, reach out to their pediatrician,” Angelica Revis, DO, a pediatrician with Endeavor Health. “If the doctor or nurse can’t see your child right away, they can advise you on where to seek care.”
When immediate care may be needed
For a non-life-threatening illness or injury, an immediate care center will have the expertise to care for kids — even those with broken bones, fevers and sore throats.
Licensed experts staff Endeavor Health Immediate Care Centers. They are trained to evaluate and treat a variety of medical conditions in adults and children. Lab orders, tests and imaging are done if needed.
“Our Immediate Care Centers can treat a wide range of illness and injuries,” Dr. Revis said. “Immediate care can be the right option when kids need care now and can’t get in to see their pediatrician.”
Head to an Immediate Care Center if your child needs treatment for the following:
- Common illnesses such as allergies, nausea, sore throat, sinus conditions or headaches. (Go to the ER if your child develops hives or facial swelling.)
- Minor injuries such as broken bones or fractures, sprains and strains, cuts or burns
- Vaccinations such as tetanus or influenza
View our infographic for help with where to go.
When it’s an emergency
Emergency care is available around the clock for severe conditions that may require additional expertise from surgeons or other medical professionals. Endeavor Health emergency departments are staffed with licensed physicians and surgeons with a variety of expertise, as well as support staff.
Your child may need emergency care when he/she shows any of the following signs:
- Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Skin or lips that look blue, purple or gray
- Suspected poisoning (even without signs or symptoms)
- Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Uncontrolled bleeding after applying pressure for 5 minutes
- Confusion or change in mental status
- Sudden fainting, dizziness, numbness or weakness
- Coughing or vomiting up blood
- A broken bone, puncturing the skin, or serious burn
- Injury to head or neck
- Stiff neck or a rash with a fever
- Hives with lip or facial swelling
- Extreme high fever. Any child age 2 months or younger with a temperature above 100.4°F should receive emergency care. For older kids, look for a fever over 104°F with a stiff neck, breathing problems, vomiting or lethargy.
No one is ever turned away from the emergency department and every circumstance is unique, but it’s in your best interest to evaluate how serious your child’s condition is and go where you would get the best care.
The bottom line is, go with your gut. You know your child best. If something doesn’t seem right with how your little one looks or acts, trust your instincts if you believe they need medical care fast.
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