EMERGENCIESCOVID-19

Pediatric Concerns

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It’s important to seek quick medical attention for a child so their condition doesn’t worsen. Symptoms of a serious medical emergency include:

  • Sudden and unusual changes in behavior, such as apathy 
  • Complaint of severe pain
  • Allergic reaction 
  • Loss of alertness or consciousness
  • Rhythmic jerking
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Turning blue 
  • High fever
  • Head injury
  • Ingesting a toxic substance
  • Complications of a chronic illness
  • Lacerations or open wounds
  • Foreign objects needing to be removed
  • Being bitten by an animal or stung by an insect
  • Having a severe injury accident such as a car wreck, fall, burn, choking, drowning, electric shock, and so on

Preparing for a Visit

It’s a good idea for parents to keep a list handy of their child’s medication and medical history in case a medical emergency occurs. Remember, too, to bring your health insurance card and emergency contact information, and inform the emergency department of your child’s primary pediatrician. Be prepared to give your child’s emergency physician a complete description of what led you to bring your child for a visit. 

As a parent, you are your child’s best advocate, so if you feel the need to speak up, don’t hesitate to ask any questions or voice your concerns. No question is a silly one regarding your child’s health and well-being, so make sure you speak up, especially if you have questions about after-visit care. Once you and your child go home, be sure to call your child’s regular pediatrician to let him/her know about your visit. It’s likely a follow-up appointment will be recommended.

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