Know when to call the doctor in these common medical emergencies.

Seizures

Signs that indicate that your baby is having a seizure is  when the child

• Is suddenly unresponsive  and starring vacantly or seems to be twitching involuntary
• Becomes unconscious and twitches

What to do

• Turn the child on the side to prevent choking on saliva. Wipe any saliva away from the mouth and keep the airway clear

Call the doctor if

• The seizures last for less than 3 minutes

Call 911 if

• Seizures last longer than 3 minutes
• Child is turning blue around the mouth or taking more than 60 breaths per minute
• Child has had a seizure and you cant reach the doctor right away

Severe Bleeding

Call 911 if

• Your baby has lost consciousness,  is unresponsive  or is breathing irregularly
• You cant stop the bleeding within 10 minutes by pressing on it with a clean cloth

What to do

• Lay your child down with feet elevated about 6 inches
• Elevate the part of the body which is bleeding as well if possible
• Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth until the bleeding stops
• Add another layer to the top of blood soaked  bandage you’re using
• Leave the bandage in place once the bleeding stops and tie another bandage – or wrap plastic wrap or duct tape – firmly around the injured area (but not so tight that it could cut off circulation)
• Go to the emergency room if the child is awake and alert and you haven’t called 911

Poisoning

Call 911 in the following situations

• Child is unresponsive , unconscious or extremely sleepy
• Child is having convulsions
• Child has burns on the lips and mouth
• Child is turning blue around the mouth or taking more than 60 breaths per minute

What to do

• Get the rest of whatever was swallowed away from the child
• Don’t try to make the baby vomit
• Try to make the child spit out whatever is left in her mouth
• Keep  a sample unless you have the comtainer
• Call poison control on (800-222-1222). They will  assess the situation and tell you what to do