What if your little one has to go to the emergency room? Let's talk about these things!

If your child gets sick, falls somewhere and gets injured, you might immediately feel like taking your child to the emergency room, that is, the hospital's ``Emergency Room - ER'', right? Because you know that you can get treatment there at any time of the day, no matter how big or small your child's problem is. That's true. But let's be a little more aware of whether we need to go to the ``ER'' for every little thing, or whether there are things to think about before that.

Sometimes, it can actually be a medical emergency. In that case, going to the ER (sometimes called the Emergency Department - ED) is the right thing to do. However, there are some illnesses and injuries that can be treated at an urgent care clinic or by visiting your child's regular doctor.

So, if a situation arises where you absolutely have to go to the ER, it's very important that you know what to expect and what to expect when you get there.

When should we call 911 and get an ambulance?

Sometimes, it's better to call 911 and get an ambulance than to put your child in your car and go to the ER. For example, if your child is having trouble breathing and is turning blue, or if they've been in a major car accident and are unconscious or seriously injured, it's safer to go by ambulance. This way, you can give them the first aid they need on the way.

In these situations, you should definitely call 911 :

• If the child is having difficulty breathing and the skin appears to be turning blue .
• If you have been in a car accident and have lost consciousness or are seriously injured .
• If a fit is coming, it means a seizure-like condition has occurred .
• If you are unconscious or unresponsive .
• If you think you have a neck or spine injury .
• If the child has lost consciousness due to a head injury , continues to vomit, or is not responding normally.
• If there is a lot of bleeding that cannot be stopped.
• If you suspect poisoning and your child is not responding normally or is having difficulty breathing , call a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for advice. They may also refer you to the ER.

Important: It's hard not to panic at a time like this, but it's very important for your child's safety to do what's necessary as calmly as possible.

How do we plan before going to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?

Before an emergency occurs, talk to your child's regular doctor about what to do if it's a real emergency and which ER to go to. Your doctor may tell you to go to the nearest ER, or they may refer you to an ER at a hospital where they see patients frequently.

Is it good to go to the emergency room (ETU) of a children's hospital?

This is also something to consider. Children's hospitals are special places for children. So they may have more pediatric staff, pediatric specialists, and facilities that are suitable for children . So, if it is a real emergency and there is a children's hospital near where you are, consider going there.

Otherwise, you can seek medical attention at your nearest general hospital. If for some reason your child's specific condition cannot be treated at that hospital, the doctors there will arrange to transfer your child to another hospital with suitable facilities.

The importance of knowing your child's medical history

This is very important . When you are running around in a panic, you don't remember these things. Therefore, it is very important to keep a complete medical history of your child in a document. Keep a copy of it in a place where everyone in the house can easily access it. Then, even if you are not there, someone who is taking care of the child (for example, a grandmother, grandfather, or someone who comes to take the child) can give that information if they have to take the child to the ER.

Here are some things to include in that medical history:

• The types of medications the child is currently taking (name, dosage, frequency of administration).
• Any allergies the child has (such as to medicines or foods).
• If you have been hospitalized before, details about it.
• Details of previous surgeries .
• The child has chronic conditions or other long-term illnesses (e.g. asthma, diabetes mellitus).
• Details of any significant illnesses in the family (if applicable) .
• Details of the vaccinations given to the child (Immunization history) .

Also, include the name and phone number of your child's primary care provider , and the name and number of the pharmacy where you regularly get your medications.

What should we prepare before going to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?

When you go to the ER with your child, it's important to know exactly what your child's current problem is. Things like:

• When and where did the problem start (if it was an injury, when did it happen; if it was an illness, how long has it been present).
• What are the symptoms of the current illness or injury ? (e.g., fever, cough, vomiting, stomach ache, pain at the site).
• What treatments and medications have you already been given at home ?
• When did the child last eat or drink ?

For example, if your child swallows a medicine or household chemical and goes to the ER, take the bottle or packet containing the swallowed substance with you. This will help the doctors understand what treatment to give. If your child swallows an object (e.g. a coin, a piece of a toy), take another one of the same type with you if possible.

What to expect in the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?

Keep in mind that you may have to wait a while.

In any ER, except in the most serious emergencies, it is normal for others to have to wait for a while. So, if you have time before going to the ER, bring something to do while you wait (e.g., a book, a magazine). It is also a good idea to bring a pen and paper to write down any questions you have for the doctor. If your child is not in a lot of trouble, bring something to do with your child while you wait (such as crayons, books, toys, or a favorite stuffed animal). If you think your child will have to stay in the hospital, it is also wise to bring a change of clothes for you and your child, and items like a toothbrush.

No one can say exactly how long you'll have to wait in the ER. But, if your child has a serious medical problem, you can be sure that the doctors will provide all the necessary treatment right away .

Doctors usually see the most serious injuries and illnesses first, so if you go in with a minor injury, you may have to wait a little longer. Even if there is no one in the waiting room, you may have to wait if the exam rooms are full, or if many doctors and nurses are treating the same serious patient. If you feel that your child's condition is getting worse while you are waiting, tell the medical staff right away.

Triage and documentation

Soon after arriving at the ER, a nurse will come and see your child. She will ask about symptoms, check vital signs (fever, pulse, breathing rate, etc.), and do a quick assessment. This is called triage . This involves deciding who needs to be treated first, based on the severity of the child's condition.

Then you have to go through a registration process. There you will be asked to sign things like consent for treatment forms. If you have health insurance , be sure to bring that card as well.

A few more things to know

• Many ERs have translation services , or you can find someone to help translate the language. If you don't speak English well, it's a good idea to bring a family member or friend to help you.
• Sometimes, doctors don't want to give your child anything to eat or drink (perhaps if they're having surgery). So, before giving your child anything to eat or drink, be sure to ask the medical staff if it's okay.
• If you go to the ER on a weekend or at night, a specialist may not be there at that time. But if necessary, they will arrange for him to come in. If an operation is needed, they will contact a surgeon.

How do you calm your child?

When you are waiting in the ER, you and your child may see people come in who are very sick and injured. Seeing people who are seriously injured and sick, and hearing the noise, can be scary for a young child. At that time, explain to your child that the ER is the best place to help and heal those who are in trouble. If you can, tell me an example of a time when someone you know was injured and was scared at the time, but after the doctors treated him, everything was fine.

Some hospitals have child life specialists . They can help children cope with the stress of being in the ER, prepare them for various medical procedures, and teach non-pharmacological pain management techniques, even to young children.

Remember, the calmer and more courageous you are, the less afraid your child will be. Your calmness is a great strength for your child.

Things you should note in the ER

Try to write down important information you hear in the ER. You won't remember everything when you're stressed. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• The names of the doctors who treated the child.
• What they say about the child's illness or injury (such as the diagnosis, the severity of the condition).
• What medications or treatments are given to the child?
• Things to do after you go home or instructions on aftercare .

Writing these down will be very useful when you go to see your regular doctor later, or when you are caring for your child at home.

What happens after leaving the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?

When your baby is discharged from the hospital, make sure you understand the instructions you are given about how to care for your baby at home. If there is anything you don't understand, don't be afraid to ask again.

In most cases, the doctor who treated your child in the ER will then contact your primary care doctor. If your child is admitted to the hospital, the emergency room doctor will notify your doctor .

Some ERs provide written or electronic documentation of the visit. Others type the details and send them to your primary care doctor. Keep a copy of the documentation you receive when you leave the hospital and give it to your doctor for follow-up visits .

A take-home message

It's normal to feel anxious during an emergency. However, a little preparation can go a long way in helping you and your child cope with the difficult times.

• Have a rough idea of ​​when to call 911 and when to go to the ER.
• Document your child's medical history and keep it in an easily accessible place.
• Think in advance about the things you think you will need when going to the ER (such as your child's information, books, and clothes).
• Remember that there may be a short wait at the ER, and try to keep the child calm.
• Listen carefully to what the doctor says and the instructions they give, and take notes if possible. If you don't understand, ask again.

If you keep these things in mind, you will be able to act a little more easily and with more awareness, even in an emergency. Wishing your child a speedy recovery!

` Emergency care, ER, children's health, 911, medical history, emergencies, children's hospitals