Minor Problem Vs. A True Emergency

Many minor injuries can be handled at home. However, there are times when a trip to the hospital emergency room is needed. In general, take your child to an emergency room after an injury anytime you think the problem may need immediate attention, including if your child has:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Bloody sputum (coughing up blood) 
• Blue or purple color to lips, skin, or nail beds
• Chest or stomach pain or pressure
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea 
• Sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision
• Change in mental status (such as loss of consciousness, confusion, or trouble waking)
• Seizures
• Animal, snake, or human bites
• Severe pain or loss of motion or sensation anywhere in the body
• Severe bleeding or bleeding that does not stop after 5-10 minutes of direct pressure
• Severe burns or burns of the face, hands, feet or genitals
• 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 with trouble breathing, swallowing, vomiting or wheezing
• High fever (105 or higher)
  • Most febrile (fever-related) illnesses can and should be managed by your child’s doctor, and do not need to be emergently evaluated in your hospital emergency department

This is a partial list. There are other problems that may require emergency care. Contact your child's doctor for more information.