When to go to the ER -- and when to call the doc
Call 911 if your child:
- Has difficulty breathing or is choking
- Has any bleeding that doesn't stop after applying pressure for a few minutes
- Has a large or deep cut, or one that affects the head, chest, or abdomen
- Has a large burn, especially one that involves the hands, feet, groin, chest, or face
- Has severe pain that is persistent or worsening
- Has a seizure (place your child on the floor, on his side; do not put anything in his mouth)
- Becomes unconscious, or fails to respond
- Has skin or lips that look blue, purple, or gray
- Develops sudden neck stiffness along with a rash and a fever
- Has any loss of consciousness, confusion, headache, or vomiting after a head injury
Reminder: Do not move a seriously injured child unless he's in immediate danger from something else.
Call your doctor first if your child:
- Has vomiting or diarrhea that lasts for more than a few hours
- Has a rash, especially with fever
- Has a cough or cold that does not improve after several days or gets worse
- Has a cut you think may require stitches
- Limps or is unable to move an arm or leg
- Has problems swallowing
- Has sharp or persistent abdominal pain
- Has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher (in a baby under 2 months with no other symptoms)
- Experiences any of the following, even if he has no obvious symptoms: bicycle or car crash, a fall, sports injury, burn or smoke inhalation, electric shock, near drowning or choking
Reminder: For poisoning, call Poison Control (800-222-1222), then your pediatrician.
