What to Expect in the ER

What to Expect in the ER

Sooner or later, you will probably find yourself taking your child to the Emergency Room. Nearly 30 million children visit the ER each year in the United States!  Visiting the ER is both expensive and time consuming, so having an idea of what to expect, what conditions actually require an Emergency Room visit, and what you can do to prepare for your time at the ER can help your overall experience. 

But how do you know if your child needs to go to the ER?

  • If your child is awake, alert, breathing, and does not have uncontrolled bleeding or any other life threatening issue, call your pediatrician first;  they can help you determine the best timing and place to seek care for your child.

  • Top 5 Red Flags to go to ER:

  1. Altered level of consciousness 

  2. Difficulty breathing

  3. Severe pain or bleeding

  4. Dehydration or lethargy

  5. Severe allergic reaction

Ok, so you need to go, what can you expect when you get there? 

  • If you are not having a true “life or death” emergency, keep in mind that the emergency room will not be fast for those types of “emergencies.” The average basic ER visit is around 4-5 hours. If your child’s needs are more complicated and require further work, that time will be even longer. And remember, if your child is not being rushed back for care, that is a blessing, because that means your child’s condition is something that is not as pressing as another patient being seen. 

  • Also keep in mind that during busy times of the year, for example fall and winter respiratory season when several viruses are going around, wait times will likely be longer than usual. Be prepared to wait, and remember to be patient with the staff who are working hard to care for the surge of patients.

If a trip to the ER seems necessary, use the following tips for better outcomes:   

1. Plan Ahead

  • Find out where the closest Emergency Room is to your home so you won’t have to look for one in an emergency

  • If possible, find the closest PEDIATRIC Emergency Room to your home if there is one available: these hospitals are more geared toward children from the decor, to things to keep kids busy like TV and crafts, child life specialist, Pediatric Nurses, etc that can all ease anxiety.

  • Talk with your insurance and find out which hospitals are covered on your insurance plan

2. Stay Calm and Tell Your Child What to Expect

  • Your child is very in tune with your anxiety levels.  If you panic, it is likely your child will panic as well.  Many times, the anxiety about what is going to happen is worse than actual pain for children. Your child will look to you for reassurance; be honest with them and let them know everyone is there to help them.

3. Bring Your Child’s Medical History and a List of All Medications. 

Have the following available for the ER staff:

  • Health Insurance

  • Your child’s primary pediatrician and contact information

  • Known allergies

  • Past medical and surgical history

  • List of current medications

  • A chronological sequence of events leading to your child's ER visit

  • The time your child ate and drank last 

4. Bring Something to Comfort Your Child

  • Something familiar to make your child feel at ease can be helpful.  A toy, a blanket, a book, etc and help comfort your child.

5. Remember ERs are Not First Come, First Serve

  • Although waiting can be difficult, you never want to be the one who cannot wait to be seen in an ER.  The very sickest patients are seen first.

  • Also remember that if your child needs things like laboratory studies or x rays, these take additional time.  Be patient and know that your child is being taken care of.

A trip to the ER might see daunting, but remember, trust your mama gut and stay calm for your kiddo.

You got this, mama!

xo

Shan

Shan Tripp