When to go the the Emergency Room

Minor injuries can be managed at home. However there are times when a trip to the hospital is necessary. In general, take your child to the emergency room after an injury anytime you think they  may need urgent attention. This includes  when your child has the following :

• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Coughing up blood
• Severe diarrhea or bloody stool
• Fever (temperature > 100.4) in a newborn
• Problems with movement and sensation after an injury
• Chest or stomach pain or pressure
• Blue or purple color of the lip, skin or nail bed
• Sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Change in mental status such as confusion, loss of consciousness or trouble walking
• Animal , snake or human bite
• Punctured wounds
• Severe burns or burns to the face
• Broken bones
• Severe bleeding or bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure
• Severe pain or loss of motion  or sensation anywhere in the body
• Head , spinal cord or eye injury
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or tongue, fainting, or with trouble breathing, swallowing, or wheezing
• A stiff neck associated with fever or headache
• Accidents involving pedestrians or bicycles and cars
• Sudden severe pain anywhere in the body
• Fall from any significant height

There are other reasons to take your child to the emergency room. Always contact your health care professional for advice .