10 things to know before you take your child to the ER

As a parent or caregiver, knowing when your child needs emergency care and where to take them isn’t always easy. 

Christina Melchionne Miseo, MD, associated director of Goryeb Children’s Hospital Emergency Department at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center, understands and doesn’t expect families to figure it out on their own. Here, she answers the most common questions she gets about pediatric emergency care.  

1. When should I take my child to the ER?

A pediatric emergency is anything that requires care right away in a child, usually in the emergency room (ER). These types of emergencies can present in many ways. The nature of the emergency will determine if you need to bring your child to the ER or call 911. 

“We tell parents that if at any point you feel uncomfortable, the best option is to call 911,” explains Dr. Melchionne. “If it’s a true emergency, and you’re not sure, we always prefer you reach out to emergency medical services rather than putting your child in the car and driving some distance.”

2. How is a pediatric ER different from a standard ER?

In an emergency, you should take your child to the nearest ER. But when you have a choice, a pediatric ER is often better for children. 

At a pediatric ER, doctors are trained in pediatric emergency medicine. These doctors have special training because children’s bodies work differently than adults’ bodies. They also get different illnesses. 

The experience caters to children, too. For example, at Atlantic Health, Child Life specialists teach kids about their procedures and scans, offering distractions and opportunities for play. 

“A lot of work goes into making it a comfortable place that’s fun and bright,” says Dr. Melchionne. “We are all specifically trained in caring for kids, so we’re good at being mindful of how to make our approach and language not so scary.”

3. Should I call my pediatrician first?

If your child doesn’t appear to be in immediate danger, Dr. Melchionne recommends using your pediatrician as a resource. They can instruct you where to go and what to do — especially when you’re not sure, and it’s not obvious. 

When you call your pediatrician, they might recommend: 

• At-home treatment
• A trip to your pediatrician’s office
• Urgent care
• The ER for more testing

4. When do I call Poison Control?

Poison Control can help when your child ingests something questionable. If your child is unconscious or not acting like themselves, call 911. But if they are awake and alert, and it doesn’t seem like an emergency right now, call Poison Control 24/7 at 800-222-1222. 

The New Jersey Poison Control Center has toxicologists who are doctors and can guide you on what to do.

5. What do I do in an emergency?

The best thing you can do in an emergency is to stay calm. 

“Of course, it’s easier said than done,” says Dr. Melchionne. “But your child reflects your energy, so trying to stay calm in an emergency is incredibly helpful at home and in the ER.”

Staying calm can also help you relay what happened to your ER care team. If you can, before you get to the ER:

• Write down all medical events
• Monitor timing, such as when symptoms start 
• Keep track of how long symptoms last
• Take a video if it’s safe to do so

6. Can I give my child fever-reducing medication before an ER visit?

If your child has a fever, you can give them the appropriate dose of fever-reducing medication before they come to the ER. 

“Sometimes families say, ‘We didn’t give any medicine for their fever because we want you to see it,’” says Dr. Melchionne. “But we don’t want kids to be uncomfortable or in pain. We believe you.”

7. Why do some families get called back sooner in the ER?

An ER visit is different from going to your primary care doctor or pediatrician’s office. You aren’t seen in the order you arrive but in the order of emergency. If someone gets called back before you, it’s likely because their emergency requires more urgent attention. 

8. How long does an ER visit take, and what should I bring?

When you go to the ER, you should know you may need to be there for several hours. You can’t always prepare or grab everything ahead of time, but packing a few supplies, such as favorite snacks, toys and a phone charger, can help.

If you don’t have time to pack anything, the ER will provide what you need, including diapers and formula.

9. Why do different doctors ask the same questions?

Some hospitals, including Atlantic Health, are teaching hospitals. So, along with pediatric emergency medicine doctors, you may see medical students, residents and fellows. These doctors-in-training are learning about the newest treatments and can be great resources. 

As a result, you may be asked to clarify a similar question several times. You might also repeat parts of a physical exam. 

10. Can my child see a subspecialist in the ER?

Some people come to the ER because they want to see a certain specialist. For example, a gastrointestinal (GI) doctor for a child with ongoing stomach pain. 

In reality, these specialists aren’t always in the ER. Usually, they’re in their offices seeing other patients. They help during emergencies that require an immediate response. For most specialty care, though, you can expect to make a follow-up appointment, separate from the ER visit.