"Mommy, I Think I Broke My Leg!"
When Your Child Has an Emergency
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Before an Emergency
Before an arm breaks or a fever spikes, there are a few actions
parents can take to make a visit to the ER less stressful for kids.
- Organize your children's medical histories. Keep track of any medications taken, allergies, previous visits to the hospital, operations and pre-existing conditions.
- Post emergency numbers near a telephone.
- Have health insurance information on hand.
What to Expect in the ER
Generally, if you go to the hospital by ambulance, your child
will be assigned to a bed in the ER. If not, your child will be
assessed in a waiting room.
A nurse or physician assistant (PA) will evaluate your child's symptoms and vital signs -- a practice called triage -- and will ask for your child's medical history, name and address. The more information you bring with you, the quicker this process can go. You may want to bring toys or books along to keep your child occupied.
After triage, a doctor, PA or nurse will examine your child. At this time, tests might be ordered. The caregiver then will decide whether your child needs to stay at the hospital or go home with treatment, such as a cast or medications.
How to Help Your Child
Going to the hospital can be frightening for young children.
Here are some tips that can help make a visit to the ER go
smoothly.
- Remain calm. If they see Mom and Dad staying calm, children in turn feel calmer.
- Understand their worries about being separated from you and reassure them.
- Be honest about what's happening. If an upcoming test might hurt a little bit, let them know.
Be Prepared
The best way to handle an emergency is to be prepared
before it happens. Talk with your child's doctor about
developing an emergency plan. If you need a pediatrician, we
can help: Just call Direct DoctorsSM Plus at
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800 South Main St., Corona, CA 92882 |
