Pediatric Emergency Department
Whether it’s an accident or illness, a medical emergency is a confusing and distressing time for children and parents alike. Whenever your infant, child or teen needs quick, skilled and kindhearted care, we’re here to help.
At Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, pediatric emergency care teams are here night and day, 365 days a year. We provide high-level care when things move fast, kids are scared and families feel overwhelmed.
We have the technology and resources needed to quickly assess your child’s condition and provide immediate care while managing the unique physical and emotional needs of children and adolescents.
We diagnose and manage a wide range of pediatric medical emergencies, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Bacterial and fungal infections
- Bites
- Blocked airway
- Bone fractures and breaks
- Burns Cold, flu, fever and viral conditions
- Colorectal and gastrointestinal disorders
- Concussions
- Drug or alcohol overdoses
- Ear infections
- Headaches
- Mental health disorders
- Orthopedic and sports injuries
- Pneumonia
- Poisoning or toxic chemical exposure
- Rashes
- Seizures
- Sprains and muscle strains
- Suicidal thoughts
- Traumatic injuries
- Wounds, cuts and other injuries
If your child or teen appears to be in trouble and you’re not sure what to do, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
Medical emergencies that require immediate attention include:
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Confusion or difficulty communicating
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
- Head injury
- High fever
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Sudden changes in vision
- Sudden or severe pain
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
At Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, we’re always ready to respond. We’re fully equipped, staffed and prepared for emergencies that can happen to children from infancy to adolescence.
Upon arrival, a registered nurse will evaluate your child and bring them to a treatment area as quickly as possible. A doctor will assess your child’s condition and determine whether laboratory, X-rays or other exams are necessary.
As with any medical visit, you may have to wait while specialists evaluate your tests. Providence emergency laboratory and imaging teams work day and night year-round so they can provide test results quickly.
Once your child’s test results are back, your doctor will advise you about the best treatment approach and may follow up with your family pediatrician.
Pediatric emergency care providers at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital include heart doctors, brain surgeons, orthopedic doctors and other specialists and subspecialists.
Your child’s care team may include these and other pediatric care providers:
- Anesthesiologists
- Chaplains
- Child life specialists
- Hospitalists
- Intensivists
- Nurse practitioner
- Nutritionists
- Occupational therapists
- Pediatric emergency physician
- Pediatrician pharmacists
- Physical therapists
- Psychologists
- Registered nurses
- Respiratory therapists
- Social workers
- Surgeons