When to Get Emergency Care for Your Child

Many minor injuries can be handled at home. But there are times when a trip to an emergency room (ER) is needed. Take your child to an emergency room if they have any of these:

• Trouble breathing

• Coughing up blood 

• Blue or purple color to lips, skin, or nails

• Severe chest or stomach pain or pressure

• Severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea 

• Sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision

• Loss of consciousness, confusion, or trouble waking

• Seizures

• Animal, snake, or human bites

• Severe pain

• Loss of motion or feeling anywhere in the body

• Severe bleeding or bleeding that does not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of direct pressure

• Severe burns

• Burns of the face

• Broken bones

• Puncture wounds

• Head, spinal cord, or eye injuries

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or tongue, fainting, or trouble breathing, swallowing, or wheezing

• Exposure to poison. Follow instructions from the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.

• Any ongoing or worsening confusion, headache, or vomiting after any type of head injury

• Serious threats of self-harm

This is not a full list. There are other problems that may need emergency care. Contact your child's healthcare provider for more information.

Reviewed Date: 04-01-2021