Sometimes you'll know right away if your child needs quick medical care. Other
times, it's hard to be sure. And if you do, should you go to the ER, call your doctor,
or visit an urgent care center? These guidelines can help.
When to Call 911
For a serious emergency, call 911. Some situations are so serious that you need
the help of trained medical personnel on the way to the hospital.
Call 911 if your child:
When to Go to the Emergency Department
An ER (emergency
room) — also called an emergency department (ED) — can handle many serious
problems. They are ready for life-threatening illnesses and injuries at any time of
the day or night.
Go to the ER if your child has:
- trouble breathing
- unusual sleepiness or confusion
- a stiff neck and a fever
- a continuous fast heartbeat
- ingested a poison,
drug, or unknown substance
- a head injury
and is vomiting
- an eye injury
- a serious burn
When to Call Your Health Care Provider
Call your primary care provider's office with any questions or non-urgent health
concerns. They can help you decide what steps to take and how.
Call for problems such as:
Calling your child's regular provider for these kinds of concerns supports "continuity
of care" (always seeing a provider who knows you and your child).
What Can Be Treated at an Urgent Care Center?
What if you can't get to your provider's office or it's after hours and the office
is not open? Then, consider getting medical care at an urgent care center.
Urgent care centers can manage same problems as your regular health care provider.
These centers also can provide services like X-rays, stitches,
and splints.
Other problems they can treat include:
What About Telemedicine?
Kids can be seen for many minor injuries and illnesses is through a "visit" to
a health provider using your phone or computer. This is called telemedicine
or telehealth. Through an app on your phone, you can talk to a provider face-to-face
— and the provider can see you and your child. Your regular health care provider
or health system may provide telemedicine services.
Consider telemedicine when your child has:
- rashes
- minor cuts or burns
- pinkeye (conjunctivitis)
- colds
- fever
- mild allergic reactions
- vomiting
- diarrhea
Whether your child got care in an ER, at an urgent care center, or through a telemedicine
visit, follow up with your primary care provider afterward. That way, your provider
has the most up-to-date information about your child and can continue any needed follow-up
care.
Date reviewed: October 2019