
When Accidents or Emergencies Happen...
Tips for parents on when to call your pediatrician or go to the ER
GO TO THE ER:
- Your child is less than 2 months old and has a fever. Fever is defined as a temperature 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher.
- You suspect your child has a broken bone, particularly if there is visible swelling or unevenness and bumps in the injured area - a sign that the broken bone is misaligned.
- Your child has had a seizure
- Your child has signs of dehydration, such as very dry lips and mouth, absence of urination for more than 12 hours, lethargy and confusion
- Your child has heavy, fast breathing, is gasping for air or manages to utter only two or three words before taking a breath.
Call your Pediatrician;
- Your child has a sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, congestion, body aches, or chills
- Your child has a minor cut
- Your child has a minor injury such as a sprain or strain or head injury without loss of consciousness
- Your child has an earache or sinus pain
- Your child may be having an asthma flare-up
- Your child has nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Your child has a symptoms of localized infection--redness, swelling, warm to touch.