One of the scariest parts of parenting can be when your child suddenly gets sick and you’re unsure how to go about caring for them. While some illnesses or conditions can be treated at home, there are instances when seeking emergency care may be needed.
Emergency care is for life-threatening or potentially life-threatening conditions. If your child is experiencing any of the following, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately:
- Difficulty breathing: Wheezing, rapid breathing, chest pain, or blue lips.
- Severe pain: Uncontrollable pain in any part of the body.
- Loss of consciousness: Fainting, seizures, or prolonged confusion.
- Severe bleeding: Unable to stop bleeding with direct pressure.
- Signs of severe allergic reaction: Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, or rapid pulse.
- Poisoning: If you suspect your child has ingested a harmful substance.
- Head injury with severe symptoms: Loss of consciousness, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, or seizures.
- Severe burns: Large, blistering burns or burns to the face, hands, feet, or genitals.
When To Seek Emergency Care
If you are unsure whether your child’s condition warrants emergency care, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact your pediatrician or a healthcare professional for guidance. They can help you determine the best course of action based on your child’s specific symptoms.
Remember, early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s health and recovery.
What conditions are treated at an emergency department?
A wide range of conditions can be treated at an emergency department, from abdominal pain and lacerations to broken bones and serious conditions such as a heart attack or stroke.
However, conditions children are commonly brought into an emergency department for include broken bones, flu, severe fever, strep throat, skin rashes, asthma, allergic reactions and sinus infection.
When do I know that it’s time to take my child to an emergency department?
If your child is experiencing severe symptoms that aren’t improving, including fever or pain, seek care as soon as possible at an emergency department closest to you.
Telltale signs that it’s time to go to the ER include worsening symptoms, lethargy where you cannot wake your child, traumatic injuries requiring immediate attention or other unusual symptoms where you see your child’s condition worsening.
What are common school-related conditions children are treated for in an emergency department?
The return to school often means increased exposure to germs, leading to a higher likelihood of common childhood illnesses like the flu and strep throat. While these illnesses are typically manageable at home, it’s essential to know when to seek emergency care.
Beyond common illnesses, school-age children are also more prone to injuries due to increased physical activity. Playground mishaps, sports-related accidents, and even roughhousing can result in broken bones or other serious injuries.
If your child is experiencing increasing pain or is unable to bear weight on an injured limb, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Emergency care can help diagnose and treat broken bones, preventing potential complications like misalignment or delayed healing.
What are the signs my child is experiencing a concussion from sports?
A concussion can occur even without a visible bump or cut on the head. It’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms, as some may indicate a more serious head injury requiring emergency care.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Severe headache that worsens over time
- Vomiting or nausea
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
If you suspect your child may have a concussion, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Prompt evaluation and treatment are essential for proper recovery. Contact your pediatrician or take your child to the nearest emergency room for evaluation.
Remember, when in doubt, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Where can I find an emergency department?
Northern Nevada Health System features five emergency departments in Reno and Sparks to care for you and your family during life’s emergencies. To learn more about our emergency medicine services, visit nnhs.com/FastER.
- Northern Nevada Medical Center* | 2375 E Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434
- Sierra Medical Center* | 6500 Longley Lane, Reno, NV 89511
- ER at McCarran NW* | 10290 N. McCarran Blvd., Reno, NV 89503
- ER at Spanish Springs* | 1511 Oppio Ranch Parkway, Sparks, NV 89436
- ER at Damonte Ranch* | 1041 Steamboat Parkway, Reno, NV 89521
* Wait times may vary. Location includes lab and diagnostic imaging services.
Don’t Wait to Seek Emergency Care
When faced with an unsure situation, remember this crucial message: when in doubt, seek emergency care. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and get your child professionally evaluated by a medical professional. Early intervention in an emergency department can make a significant difference in their health and recovery.
Thank you to Stacy Chavis, MSN, RN, CHFM. Nurse Manager, ER at Spanish Springs, an Extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center for contributing this article.