The opening of the pediatric emergency department at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital gives Mid-South parents another option if their children need immediate care. But when is an emergency department the best option? Dr. Jeannine Hogg, a pediatric hospitalist at the Baptist Women’s Hospital, offers some advice, however when in doubt, go to the emergency department.
[toggle title=”When should parents take their kids to the emergency department?” state=”open”]- When you need emergency medical care and your primary care provider is not available
- When you have a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate medical care
- When treatment or testing is not available from your primary care doctor
- Car accidents
- Falls
- Ingesting something poisonous
- Seizures
- Prolonged high fevers
- Persistent vomiting and diarrhea that has led to dehydration
- Severe asthma attacks that are not responsive to home treatment
[/toggle] [toggle title=”What do parents need to consider if their child has an accident?” state=”close”]
- If it is safe to transport a child to the emergency department on your own
- If emergency medical services should be contacted
If your child has ingested something harmful, you should contact the poison control center first.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”What are other options for pediatric urgent care?” state=”close”]
Check with your primary care physician; many clinics have walk-in and same-day sick visits.
[/toggle]