One of the most common questions parents have is when to take their child to the emergency department versus when to take them to urgent care or their pediatrician. Here, we explain the difference between a medical emergency and medical urgency and give advice on when to go to the emergency department.

When to go to the emergency department

Most emergency departments are packed with people who don’t need to be there. Why? Sometimes it’s convenience. Sometimes it’s because people can’t get in to see their own doctors. And sometimes it’s because they’re not sure where to go.

Emergency departments are for medical emergencies – immediate threats to life and limb. In other words, any condition that, if not treated immediately, could result in death or disability. Some examples include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Severe vomiting
• Toxic ingestion/poisoning
• Loss of consciousness
• Sudden onset of severe headache
• Broken bones
• Major cuts or burns
• Active suicidal thoughts

If your child is experiencing a true medical emergency, get them to the nearest emergency department as quickly and safely as possible.

When to go to urgent care

Medical conditions that require urgent care are common, and many emergency departments have an urgent care within the department to handle medical urgencies.

When we think about traumatic injuries, broken bones need urgent evaluation and care.  Sometimes these can be emergencies – some need surgeries to correct, but the majority can be splinted in urgent care settings to follow up with orthopedics at a later date. Other conditions that can be handled in urgent care include:

• Allergic reactions
• Severe cough
• Belly pain
• Simple fractures
• Sprains and strains
• Minor cuts or burns
• Skin infections
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Major flu-like symptoms

Don’t forget your pediatrician!

Don’t forget about your own pediatrician in these situations. Your pediatrician may be able to work you in for a sick visit that day, or direct you to the most appropriate place for care.

Pediatricians can easily diagnose colds, flu, strep, fevers, ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, and many other conditions including:

• Colds, coughs, and fevers
• Sore throat
• Ear infection
• Seasonal allergies
• Rashes
• Behavioral concerns
• Vaccinations
• Medication refills
• Signed school notes

Also, don’t forget to ask your doctor at your regular checkups where you should go for urgent care and emergencies.  Knowing the places to go ahead of time can be very helpful!

Download our When to Take Your Child to the Emergency Department infographic here.