Seek Emergency Medical Care Immediately for the Following:
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
What if I’m still unsure whether my child needs to go to the ER?
If you’re uncertain whether to take your child to the ER, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Acting quickly can make all the difference. Do not hesitate to seek medical advice or head directly to the emergency room if you’re concerned for your child’s well-being.
Recognizing Pediatric Emergencies: When to Take Action
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.
Breathing Difficulties
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.
High Fever with Concerning Symptoms
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.
Seizures
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.
Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
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.
Serious Injuries or Trauma
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.
Severe Pain or Unresponsiveness
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.
Choking
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.
Burns
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.
Dehydration
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.
Exposure to Toxic Substances (Poisoning)
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.
What to Expect at an ER Visit
A lot of parents are planners, and we get it—you have to be on your game when you have young ones to care for. Here’s what you can plan to expect when you visit an emergency room.
Initial Assessment
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.
Parental Involvement
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.
Emotional Support During Pediatric Emergencies
Both children and their caregivers can feel overwhelmed during medical emergencies. Here are a few quick tips to help you and your child cope.
Helping Your Child Cope
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.
Support for Parents
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.
We’re Here for Pediatric Emergencies in North Texas
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.
Arlington
Benbrook
Cedar Hill
Denton
DeSoto
Fort Worth
Frisco
Garland
Weatherford