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.