Is your child experiencing a health emergency? If their illness or injuries are severe, they may need to be seen in the emergency room. According to the National Library of Medicine, over 85% of children who need emergency pediatric care go to general emergency rooms where both children and adults are treated instead of specialized pediatric facilities. As you might imagine, however, there are a lot of good reasons to find a facility that specifically offers family emergency services. Here's why your go-to ER should offer emergency pediatric care.

Appropriate Resources and Atmosphere

The pediatric care process is more unique than you might think. Your child has unique needs that an adult-centric center may not accommodate as well as possible. For one, your child's condition may require child-sized medical equipment. Children are smaller, and as such, they may need smaller MRI machines, breathing tubes, or other medical devices. The symptoms associated with certain conditions that can be seen in children can also vary from the symptoms often seen in adults. You need a facility that can accommodate your child and give them the care they need.

If you're concerned about finding a welcoming environment, you'll definitely want to find an emergency pediatric provider. A child who comes into an emergency room is, in most cases, conscious and aware of their surroundings. Since an ER isn't a place that most children frequent, it can be a scary experience for the child. It can become even scarier if you have medical staff who aren't used to working with a child. Pediatric specialists have experience calming children, soothing children, and helping their anxiety. When you visit the Family Emergency Room at Georgetown, you can rest assured that our environment is child-friendly.

Expertise in Common Pediatric Conditions

The most important difference between general and emergency pediatric care facilities is their expertise in diagnosing and treating common childhood conditions and injuries. There are many situations that may result in your child needing emergency pediatric care. As a parent, you may want to familiarize yourself with some of the most common conditions. This helps you to know when to bring your child to an emergency room and what to expect while you are there.

Ingestion of Foreign Objects

One of the most common reasons why your child may need emergency pediatric care is due to swallowing something they shouldn't have. Children are well-known for putting objects in their mouths. You've probably seen warning labels on small objects around your home that recommend they're kept away from small hands. If you see your child swallowing anything they shouldn't or struggling to breathe, we can help. Visit us at our location next to Walgreens for assistance.

Sprains and Breaks

Another common reason why children may need emergency pediatric care is because they have suffered a strain, sprain, or broken bone. Unfortunately, when children injure themselves, it can be challenging to tell if something is sprained, strained, or broken. The best way to find out is to bring your child in for X-rays. Since children are very active, they can injure themselves in a number of ways, including while playing sports or while riding their bike or skateboard. If your child has injured themselves, and the body part is extremely swollen and your child cannot move it, bring your child in for X-rays.

Diarrhea or Vomiting

If your child is experiencing digestive issues, you may try over-the-counter medications or home remedies to help them stop. That said, if you're unable to put an end to excessive diarrhea or vomiting, your child may need to be seen by a pediatric specialist. Children are so small that they can become dehydrated faster than an adult if they are experiencing these symptoms. A professional may need to give them fluids as well as medications to stop the excessive diarrhea or vomiting.

No one wants to think about their child becoming ill or injured, but it can and does happen. Planning ahead ensures that you know where to go so that your child can get quality emergency pediatric care. If your child needs pediatric care, you can count on the Family Emergency Room at Georgetown for quick and effective treatment. We offer zero wait times, so you can rest assured that you'll be seen right away.