Level I Pediatric Trauma Center

CHKD's Emergency Center is home to the first and only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center in Hampton Roads, offering the highest level of care available to trauma patients under the age of 15. Our comprehensive team of pediatric emergency medicine specialists, surgeons, nurses, therapists and other clinicians takes care of trauma patients from the time of injury through rehabilitation. And those same emergency medicine specialists are here for every medical emergency your child faces.

About The Emergency Center

We hope you'll take a few minutes to learn about our pediatric emergency center, so you'll know in advance where to go if an emergency ever arises with your children.

Our emergency center is located on the first floor of the hospital. It has its own entrance and parking, at the Raleigh Avenue side of the hospital.

It's best to call your doctor before you visit the emergency center.  

Who Will Help Care For Your Child?

Children who come to CHKD's Emergency Center are cared for by specialists - pediatricians, nurses and technicians - who are especially trained to understand and meet the unique needs of children. Others you may come in contact with at our emergency department include child life specialists, patient relations specialists, registrars, and support associates.

      Triage Team

      This is the first area you come to when you enter CHKD's emergency center. The triage nurse will take care of your child's immediate medical needs, such as placing a bandage on an open wound, applying ice, or providing fever or pain medication. The triage nurse will record your child's weight, temperature, heart and breathing rate, and blood pressure.

      The triage nurse briefly examines your child to help decide what to do next. The nurse will also ask you a few questions about your child's health. The nurse then decides which patients will be seen first, according to whom is the sickest. The triage nurse, with the help of a triage 2 nurse or paramedic, decides where patients will be seen in the CHKD emergency center (whether in fast track or the main treatment area).

      After Triage 

      After triage, you will go to the main waiting area. Soon, a staff member at the registration desk will call your child's name. The registrar will ask your name, address, and child's insurance information. Guardianship papers or written permission from the child's parent will be needed if you are not the parent. A medical record will be made and a name band will be placed on the child's wrist or ankle.

      Waiting Area

      You will wait in the waiting area for your child's name to be called for treatment.

      For your convenience, the following are available in the waiting area:

      • Vending machines
      • Reading material
      • Toys and a television
      • Rest rooms 

      Minor Care

      Please visit a CHKD Urgent Care for less serious injuries and illnesses. Minor care wait times at the emergency department vary depending on the number of children being seen and the severity of their illness/injury. 

      Before You Leave

      Before you leave the CHKD emergency center, be sure you have received a written copy of the discharge instructions. Discharge instructions will include the following information:

      • What is wrong with your child
      • What you need to do at home
      • How much and for how long to give medication (if necessary)
      • When and where to have a follow-up exam
      • Who to call if you have problems once you leave

      It's important that you stay until your child is discharged. But, if you must leave before you are discharged, please tell one of the CHKD emergency center staff before you leave.