Minor Problem vs. a True Emergency

Reminder If you are ever unsure about whether your child's injury needs emergency care, treat it as an emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency medical services right away for any serious injury.

Many minor injuries can be handled at home. However, there are times when a trip to the hospital emergency department is needed. In general, take your child to an emergency room after an injury anytime you think the problem may need urgent attention, including if your child has:

• trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or bloody sputum.
  
  
• blue or purple color to lips, skin, or nail beds.
  
  
• chest or stomach pain or pressure.
  
  
• sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision.
  
  
• change in mental status (such as loss of consciousness, confusion, or trouble waking).
  
  
• seizures.

  Reminder Once you provide first-aid treatment for your child, it is a good idea to call your child's physician to see if any follow-up care is needed.

  
  
  
• animal, snake, or human bites.
  
  
• severe pain or loss of motion or sensation anywhere in the body.
  
  
• severe bleeding or bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure.
  
  
• severe burns or 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 with trouble breathing, swallowing, or wheezing.

This is a partial list. There are other problems that may require emergency care. Contact your child's physician for more information.

The information on this Web page is provided for educational purposes. You understand and agree that this information is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. You agree that Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital is not making a diagnosis of your condition or a recommendation about the course of treatment for your particular circumstances through the use of this Web page. You agree to be solely responsible for your use of this Web page and the information contained on this page. Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and information providers shall not be liable for any damages you may suffer or cause through your use of this page even if advised of the possibility of such damages.