American Academy of Pediatrics
Home
 Parenting Corner
 Children's Health Topics
 Bookstore and Publications
 Professional Education and Resources
 Advocacy
 Member Center
 About AAP
 
 Press Room
 Sitemap
 Contact Us
Search: 








Emergencies

How do I know if my child needs emergency medical treatment?

It is rare for children to become seriously ill with no warning. Based on your child?s symptoms, you should usually contact your child?s pediatrician for advice. Timely treatment of symptoms can prevent an illness from getting worse or turning into an emergency.

A true emergency is when you believe a severe injury or illness is threatening your child?s life or may cause permanent harm. In these cases, a child needs emergency medical treatment immediately. Discuss with your child?s pediatrician in advance what you should do in case of a true emergency.

Injuries

Many true emergencies involve sudden injuries. These injuries are often caused by the following:

  • Bicycle or car crashes, falls, or other violent impacts
  • Poisoning
  • Burns or smoke inhalation
  • Choking
  • Near drowning
  • Firearms or other weapons
  • Electric shocks

Illnesses

Other true emergencies can result from either medical illnesses or injuries. Often you can tell that these emergencies are happening if you observe that your child has any of the following symptoms:

  • Acting strangely or becoming more withdrawn and less alert
  • Increasing trouble with breathing
  • Bleeding that does not stop
  • Skin or lips that look blue or purple (or gray for darker-skinned children)
  • Rhythmical jerking and loss of consciousness (a seizure)
  • Unconsciousness
  • Very loose or knocked-out teeth, or other major mouth or facial injuries
  • Increasing or severe persistent pain
  • A cut or burn that is large or deep
  • Any loss of consciousness, confusion, a bad headache, or vomiting several times after a head injury
  • Decreasing responsiveness when you talk to your child

Call your child?s pediatrician or the Poison Center at once if your child has swallowed a suspected poison or another person?s medication, even if your child has no signs or symptoms.

Always call for help if you are concerned that your child?s life may be in danger or your child is seriously hurt.

What to do in an emergency

  • Stay calm.
  • If it is needed and you know how, start rescue breathing or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
  • If you need immediate help, call 911. If you do not have 911 service in your area, call your local emergency ambulance service or county emergency medical service. Otherwise, call your child?s pediatrician?s office and state clearly that you have an emergency.
  • If there is bleeding, apply continuous pressure to the site with a clean cloth.
  • If your child is having a seizure, place her on a carpeted floor with her head turned to the side, and stay with your child until help arrives.

After you arrive at the emergency department, make sure you tell the emergency staff the name of your child?s pediatrician, who can work closely with the emergency department and can provide them with additional information about your child. Bring any medication your child is taking and her immunization record with you to the hospital. Also bring any suspected poisons or other medications your child might have taken.

Important emergency phone numbers

  • Keep the following phone numbers handy by taping them on or near your phone:
  • Your home phone and address
  • Your cell phone
  • A trusted neighbor?s phone
  • Your child?s pediatrician
  • Emergency medical services (ambulance) (911 in most areas)
  • Police (911 in most areas)
  • Fire department (911 in most areas)
  • Poison Center
  • Hospital
  • Dentist

Information for sitters

It is important that sitters know where to find emergency phone numbers. If you have 911 service in your area, make sure your older children and your sitter know to dial 911 in case of an emergency. Be sure they know your home address and phone number, since an emergency operator will ask for this information. Always leave your sitter the phone number and address where you can be located.

Remember, for a medical emergency, always call 911, EMS, or your child?s pediatrician. If your child is seriously ill or injured, it may be safer for your child to be transported by emergency medical services.

 

Published online: 6/07

 Source: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 5/05)
To order a copy of this book visit the AAP Bookstore.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.



©  COPYRIGHT AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
 Site Map | Contact Us | Privacy Statement | About Us | Home
American Academy of Pediatrics, 141 Northwest Point Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, 847-434-4000