When to Get Emergency Care for Your Child
Many minor injuries can be handled at home. But there are times when a trip to an emergency room (ER) is needed. Take your child to an emergency room if they have any of these:
-
Trouble breathing
-
Coughing up blood
-
Blue or purple color to lips, skin, or nails
-
Severe chest or stomach pain or pressure
-
Severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
-
Sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision
-
Loss of consciousness, confusion, or trouble waking
-
Seizures
-
Animal, snake, or human bites
-
Severe pain
-
Loss of motion or feeling anywhere in the body
-
Severe bleeding or bleeding that does not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of direct pressure
-
Severe burns
-
Burns of the face
-
Broken bones
-
Puncture wounds
-
Head, spinal cord, or eye injuries
-
Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or tongue, fainting, or trouble breathing, swallowing, or wheezing
-
Exposure to poison. Follow instructions from the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
-
Any ongoing or worsening confusion, headache, or vomiting after any type of head injury
-
Serious threats of self-harm
This is not a full list. There are other problems that may need emergency care. Contact your child's healthcare provider for more information.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Liora C Adler MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Maryann Foley RN BSN
Date Last Reviewed:
4/1/2021
© 2000-2023 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.