Does your child need emergency treatment? (Seeking Medical Attention) Let's see where to go and when to go!

As a mother or father, sometimes we can't figure out what to do when our child gets sick or injured. We get worried. Does the child need medical help right away, or can we wait a little longer? If we need such help, should we go to the `ER`, or see our family doctor, or an `Urgent Care` center? You probably have these questions too. Okay, let's talk about this clearly, so you can understand what to do in what situations.

When should you call an emergency ambulance service (like 1990)?

Simply put, in the event of a serious emergency that could be life-threatening, you should definitely call an emergency ambulance service like 1990. Because, sometimes, the child may need the help of trained medical staff until they get to the hospital. In such cases, getting that help right on the ambulance can be a great help in saving the child's life. Imagine if something like this happens, don't delay for a second:

• If your baby isn't breathing or turns blue ... Oh my God, this is so dangerous.
• If you fall somewhere and lose consciousness , whether you hit your head or somewhere else, act quickly.
• If the child is having a fit, that means a seizure .
• If you have a serious allergic reaction , sometimes it can happen to something you eat or an insect bite. It can be difficult to breathe, you may have a rash all over your body, or your lips may swell up. This is dangerous.
• If a bone has broken and is protruding through the skin, it is called an ``Open Fracture '' . This is also a very serious injury.
• If your child has taken too much of an unknown medicine or chemical and is having trouble waking him up , sometimes little ones can put things they can get their hands on in their mouths.
• Choking is when something gets stuck in the throat . It can be a piece of food or a small piece of a toy.
• If you have a big cut and can't stop bleeding .

In such a situation, don't panic, quickly call 1990 and explain the situation. They will give you the necessary instructions and immediately send an ambulance.

When should we go to an `ETU` (Emergency Treatment Unit)?

An emergency room, also known as an ER, can treat very serious illnesses and injuries. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to deal with any emergency. It is best to take your child to an ER in the following situations:

• If you have difficulty breathing . This means that you feel like you are wheezing , or if your chest feels like it is going into your lungs when you breathe.
• If there is an abnormal drowsiness or altered mental status , even the things the child says may change.
• If you have a fever along with a sore throat , this can sometimes be a sign of a more serious illness, such as brain fever .
• If the heart beats rapidly, it is called ``Tachycardia`` .
• If you suspect or believe that the child has ingested something poisonous , a drug, or an unknown substance .
• If you have a head injury and continue to vomit . It's okay to vomit once or twice after a head injury, but if it continues, you need to pay attention.
• If you have a serious eye injury , such as a puncture or a blow, go to the ER immediately.
• If you have a serious burn , whether it's from hot water or a fire, you need specialist medical advice if it's a major burn.

When should we call our family doctor?

You can talk to your family doctor (Primary Care Provider) about any health problem that is not usually urgent, but that you are concerned about. He or she can give you advice and tell you what to do. Talk to your doctor about things like:

• If you have a fever (especially one that lasts for more than two or three days).
• If you have an earache .
• If you have a sore throat .
• If you have a stomach ache .
• If there is vomiting or diarrhea (this can be especially dangerous for small babies).
• A persistent headache .
• If you are experiencing symptoms of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urine output).
• If there is a rash on the body .
• If you hear a whistling sound when breathing .
• A persistent cough .

Talking to your child's regular doctor at times like this helps ensure "continuity of care." This means continuing to receive care from a doctor who knows you and your child well. He or she will have a good understanding of your child's health history.

What types of things can be treated at an Urgent Care Center?

Imagine that you are unable to see your family doctor, or your doctor's office is closed. In such a case, you can seek medical help from an `Urgent Care Center`. These `Urgent Care Center` can also treat many of the same conditions that your family doctor treats. They can also provide services such as `X-rays`, `Stitches`, and `Splints` for sprains. Other things they can treat include:

• Minor fractures : Not a major break, more like a small crack.
• Minor burns .
• Common cuts .
• If you get stuck with something like a thorn, remove it (Splinter Removal) .
• Sprains and other sports-related injuries .
• Minor scratches and bites from animals . But if a dog or cat has bitten you hard and caused a serious injury, it's best to go to the ER.
• Fever .
• Stomach ache .
• Vomiting or diarrhea .

What is `Telehealth` (remote medical service)? Can it help?

Nowadays, there is a way to "connect" with a doctor for many minor injuries and illnesses from your phone or computer. This is called `Telehealth` or `Telemedicine` (remote medical service). Through an `App` on your phone, you can talk to a doctor face to face - and the doctor can even see you and your child. Your family doctor or the hospital system where you are receiving treatment may provide this `Telemedicine` service. Think about `Telemedicine` in situations like these:

• Rashes .
• Minor cuts or burns .
• The eyes are red, as if they have an eye infection (conjunctivitis) .
• Common cold .
• Fever (but if it is a high fever, accompanied by other symptoms, it is best to see a doctor).
• Mild Allergic Reactions .
• Vomiting .
• Diarrhea .

The most important thing is, whether your child receives treatment in an ER, an Urgent Care Center, or through telemedicine, be sure to follow up with your family doctor afterward. That way, the doctor can update your child's health information and continue any necessary treatments.

The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so, from what we've talked about, I hope it's clear to you when and how to seek medical help for a child.

• In the event of a life-threatening emergency (such as shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, or severe bleeding) , call 1990 immediately .
• In a serious emergency that does not require an ambulance (a major fracture, a stiff neck with a high fever, difficulty breathing) , go to the nearest ER .
• For general health conditions and everyday problems, talk to your family doctor . He or she knows you and your child best.
• An `Urgent Care Center` can be useful for minor emergencies (such as getting an ``(X-ray)`` or getting a minor stitch) when you can't reach your family doctor .
• For very minor illnesses, there is now a `Telehealth` service that allows you to receive advice from home .

The most important thing is, if you have any doubts or fears about your child, never hesitate to seek medical advice. Sometimes, even if it seems like a small thing, it could be the beginning of something serious. Listening to your mother or father's instincts is often the best way to go.

It's normal to feel anxious when your child is sick. But with this information in mind, you can make the right decisions quickly and provide the best care for your child. Everyone should be healthy! Emergency Care, Children's Health, Medical Advice, ER, Urgent Care, Telehealth, Sri Lanka