- Severe breathing trouble
- High fever with rash or other symptoms
- Seizures lasting more than five minutes or recurring seizures
- Severe allergic reactions that inhibit breathing
- Uncontrolled bleeding or significant trauma
- Severe pain or unresponsiveness
- Choking
- Serious burns
- Dehydration
- Poisoning or exposure to toxic substances
As a parent, feeling anxious when your child is unwell is perfectly natural. Recognizing the signs that require emergency care can help ease some of that anxiety. The following are pediatric conditions we see at TotalCare that warrant emergency attention.
Why It Matters: Breathing problems can signal serious conditions, such as asthma attacks or infections, which can escalate quickly.
What to Look For: Rapid or labored breathing, wheezing, or blue lips.
How to Respond: Call 911 or go to the ER immediately if your child is struggling to breathe.
Why It Matters: A high fever can indicate serious conditions such as meningitis or sepsis.
What to Look For: Fever accompanied by rash, stiff neck, lethargy, or unresponsiveness.
How to Respond: Seek emergency care if the fever doesn’t improve with medication or is accompanied by other distressing symptoms. Why It Matters: Seizures, especially prolonged or recurring, can indicate serious neurological issues.
What to Look for: Seizure lasting five minutes or multiple seizures in a short period of time.
How to Respond: Call 911 for prolonged or recurring seizures or if your child has a seizure and has difficulty breathing. Why It Matters: Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment to avoid serious consequences.
What to Look for: Symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, hives, or a rapid drop in blood pressure.
How to Respond: Administer an epinephrine auto-injector if available and go to the ER immediately.
Why It Matters: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can result in severe physical trauma that requires immediate evaluation.
What to Look for: Unconsciousness, deep cuts, fractures, or inability to move a limb.
How to Respond: Provide first aid if possible, then go to the ER as soon as possible. Why It Matters: Extreme pain or lack of response can be signs of critical underlying health issues.
What to Look for: Severe pain that does not improve or an unresponsive child.
How to Respond: Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Why It Matters: Ingested objects are especially common among infants and toddlers and can restrict airflow.
What to Look for: Gagging, inability to speak, or struggling to breathe.
How to Respond: Perform the Heimlich maneuver or back blows. Seek emergency care. Why It Matters: Burns can cause significant skin damage and complications, especially in young children with delicate skin.
What to Look for: Redness, blistering, or charred skin.
How to Respond: Cool the burn under running water and seek emergency care for severe burns, especially when the burns are large or induce blistering.
Why It Matters: Dehydration can become life-threatening, especially in infants and toddlers.
What to Look for: Dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy, or fewer wet diapers than usual.
How to Respond: Encourage fluid intake, but seek emergency care if the child is unable to keep fluids down.
Why It Matters: Ingesting poisonous substances can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.
What to Look for: Symptoms such as vomiting, confusion, difficulty breathing, or chemical burns around the mouth.
How to Respond: Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) for guidance and head to your local TotalCare ER immediately. If possible, bring the container or label of the ingested substance. When you arrive at the ER, your child will undergo a thorough evaluation. Medical professionals will assess their condition, focusing on critical indicators like breathing, consciousness, and vital signs. Depending on the urgency of the presenting symptoms and potential causes, proper treatment or recommendations will follow the evaluation.
Your role as a parent is critical in the ER. You will be asked to provide essential medical information, such as your child’s medical history and symptoms. Additionally, you are a vital source of comfort for your little one. Staying calm and close will help them feel more secure during what is potentially a scary and stressful time.
An unfamiliar environment, blinking and beeping monitors, needles—all this can intimidate or even scare children. Speak in a soothing voice, offer comfort with a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, and stay physically close. Holding their hand or hugging your child can help soothe them and reduce their stress.
Parents need support too! It’s important to take care of yourself so you can be your best for your child.
In moments when you’re feeling overwhelmed, taking deep breaths from your stomach may help you feel calmer.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family or friends if you need a break. You don’t have to be in the room 24/7. Taking care of your own emotional health will help you be a more effective support and advocate for your child.
At TotalCare, we understand just how overwhelming pediatric emergencies can be for both children and parents. Our emergency rooms are staffed with experienced, compassionate professionals who are trained to handle delicate situations with care and expertise.
With locations across North Texas, you’ll find the help you need when you need it most at TotalCare.