Emergency Room, Urgent Care or Video Visit? When Your Child Needs Care, Here’s Where to Go Posted on June 21, 2023 It’s stressful enough when your child is sick or injured. It’s even more stressful if you’re not sure where to take them – the emergency room, urgent care center or pediatrician. Here’s a list to break it down. Want more articles like this from pediatric experts you trust? Sign up for our newsletter. Subscribe Go to the Emergency Department right away for anything that could be life-threatening. You should immediately bring your child to an emergency room (or call 9-1-1) for any of the following. Allergic reaction – severe Asthma – severe Bone break – angulated or sticking out of skin Blood in urine Breathing difficulties Burn – major Chest pain – severe Constipation – requiring cleanout COVID-19 symptoms – with any distress Cut or wound – deep, with bleeding that won’t stop or involves deeper tissues Dental injuries Eye injuries, vision change, concern for infection within the eye socket (“orbital cellulitis”) – major Fever in infant younger than 2 months or immunosuppressed/immunocompromised patient Head injury – loss of consciousness or altered mental state (confusion, memory loss, unusual behavior) High blood pressure, aka hypertension Mental state change (confusion, memory loss, unusual behavior) without injury Nailbed injuries Neck or spine injury Neck stiffness Pain – severe Possible poisoning Seizure Stomach pain – severe Swallowed an object Unconscious or not responsive *Plus lots of other care > Related: How to Pack a Go-Bag for Your Child’s Unexpected ED Visits Go to urgent care or your pediatrician for issues that require care within 24 hours, but are not life-threatening. If your pediatrician’s office is open, start by calling them! For after-hours support, visit a pediatric urgent care clinic like Pediatric Urgent Care & Women’s After-Hours Care in Farmington, a partnership between Connecticut Children’s and Women’s Health Connecticut. Allergies Asthma – mild Bone fractures and dislocations – minor Burn – minor Cold or flu-like symptoms Congestion, runny nose Constipation Cough COVID-19 symptoms Cuts – minor Diarrhea Ear infections, earaches Eye infections, pink eye, corneal scratches – minor Fever (except infants younger than 2 months) Head aches Head injury – minor, without loss of consciousness Rash Sore throat Sprain or strain Stomach pain – mild Vomiting Headed to Connecticut Children’s Urgent Care center? You can reserve your place in line before you even leave the house – just click “Save My Spot.” For some conditions, you can even request a Video Visit! For some medical conditions, Video Visits are an option too. If your child is experiencing any of the following, their pediatrician may be able to evaluate them via telehealth. If it’s after hours, you can request a Video Visit with Connecticut Children’s pediatric urgent care experts. Allergies Burn – minor Cold or flu-like symptoms Constipation Diarrhea Eye infections, pink eye Insect bites and stings Rashes, minor skin infections Scrapes Sprain or strain Sunburn Swimmer’s ear Vomiting and nausea What happens if your child needs follow-up care? If you come to Connecticut Children’s Emergency Department or Pediatric Urgent Care, your child is instantly connected more than 30 pediatric specialties. We’re also a trusted partner for pediatric practices, so we’ll work closely with your child’s regular doctor to make sure everyone’s on the same page. You might also like: Prepare for Care Kit Video Visits Are Here! 5 Reasons to Schedule One Today How to Pack a Go-Bag for Your Child’s Unexpected ED Visits
