Stay Informed

Should I take my child to the emergency room?

Many minor injuries can be handled at home. If your child has minimal symptoms, without a fever or a low temperature, it is probably best to seek care at your child’s primary care physician’s office or at an urgent care. You will most likely be treated faster and still get the medicine you need for your child.

However there are times when a visit to the emergency room is necessary. Take your child to an emergency room after an injury if you think the problem requires immediate attention. This includes:

• Puncture wounds
• Seizures
• Animal, snake or human bites
• Severe bleeding, pain or burns
• Head, spinal cord or eye injuries
• Signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or tongue
• Broken bones
• Trouble breathing

If you are ever unsure about whether your child needs emergency care, treat it as an emergency. Call 9-1-1 right away.

Ask Questions & Partner with the Care Team

It is very important that you ask questions about your child’s visit to Miller Children’s emergency department. Miller Children’s values your input as a parent and wants you to make informed decisions for your child. No question is too small or unimportant.

• Keep your child at ease by explaining that the doctor and care team are here to help.
• Comfort your child through the process of the emergency visit, Child Life Specialists are on-hand to help explain procedures or tests.
• When a parent understands the diagnosis and treatment plan fully, they can help ease their child’s worries and can answer their questions.