By: Sylvia Owusu-Ansah MD, MPH, FAAP
Sooner or later, you may face the stressful moment of needing to take your child to the emergency room (ER). Each year, tens of millions of children and families visit hospital emergency departments in the United States.
If you have time to plan, these tips can help you prepare for an emergency room visit and know what to expect.
1. Consider a pediatric-ready ER.
In a serious emergency, you should always go to the closest ER or call 911 right away—period. Do you know where your nearest ER is located? Do you know which hospital your pediatrician is affiliated with?
If you take your child to an urgent care center or ER that does not have pediatricians or pediatric specialists on staff, your child may need to be transferred to a hospital that does. It depends on their condition.
What does "pediatric-ready" mean?
Some ERs are "pediatric-ready." This means they have child-sized equipment, trained staff and special safety steps in place for kids. Pediatric-ready ERs are linked to better survival for very sick or injured children. Ask if the hospital participates in a pediatric readiness recognition program or has pediatric emergency care coordinators (PECCs) on staff.
Some pediatric emergency departments and children's hospitals also have child life specialists on staff. They are highly trained to help families and can be an excellent resource to help ease a child's anxiety and make them more comfortable in the ER.
2. Call your pediatrician first (when it's not life-threatening).
Your pediatrician can advise you on the phone, and may let the emergency department staff know to expect you. In a serious emergency, parents should not hesitate to
call 911.
3. It's OK to give fever or pain medicine before you go.
Over-the-counter fever or pain medicines can make the exam exam easier. Remember to take note of the time and dosage of the medicine you gave your child, you'll be asked for this by emergency department staff.
4. Stay calm and tell your child what to expect.
If you panic, your child's anxiety level likely will go up. For many kids, the anxiety about what's going to happen is worse than the actual pain. Children of all ages look to their parents for reassurance, so it is important to keep communicating. Be honest, but also be sensitive to the situation and their age. Let your child know that everyone is there to help.
What happens in a pediatric-ready ER
Staff will:
Weigh your child in kilograms only (for safe medicine dosing)
Take and recheck a full set of vital signs
Use child-sized equipment
Follow imaging rules that lower radiation exposure when x-rays or CT scans are needed
Sometimes a child needs care at a hospital with certain pediatric specialists. Pediatric‑ready ERs use standard transfer policies to move children safely and share records and images to avoid repeat tests.
5. Plan to stay with your child.
Your presence helps your child feel safe. Family‑centered care includes parents in care decisions, discharge planning and—when appropriate—during resuscitation. If you can, make arrangements so you don't have to bring young siblings to the ER with you. That way, you can focus on the needs of your sick or injured child, and your other children do not have to endure the waiting time.
Parents are also encouraged to stay in the hospital with your child if they are
admitted.
6. Bring your child's medical history and a list of medications.
It's always a good idea to have the following
information readily available. You may be asked this information by multiple providers and staff in the emergency department:
Health insurance information and parent/guardian ID
Your child's primary pediatrician and any other doctors' names and contact information
Known allergies
Past medical and surgical history
List of current medications (including prescriptions, over-the-counter painkillers, homeopathic medicines, vitamins and supplements)
A short timeline of symptoms and events leading to your child's ER visit
What time your child last ate or drank anything. Many ERs do not allow patients to have anything to eat or drink until the doctor says it is OK. The main reason is to protect your child if they need to have a procedure done or receive any medications that require an empty stomach.
7. A comfort item can go a long way.
If your child needs a special item to rest or feel at ease, don't hesitate to bring it. A lovely toy, blanket or book, for example, can help take your child's mind off the pain and less anxious in an unfamiliar place.
8. Expect triage & possible waits.
ERs do not operate on "first-come, first-served." Keep in mind that there may be good reasons to have to wait. The sickest patients are seen first. If your pediatrician calls the hospital before your arrival, however, it can sometimes help speed up the process.
In addition, depending on how sick your child is, they may need blood work and/or
imaging. Understand that it can take a long time for lab work and/or imaging results to come back.
9. Mental health emergencies are emergencies too.
Pediatric‑ready ERs have evidence‑based tools for screening and treating mental and behavioral health crises (like severe agitation or suicide risk) and can provide safety plans and referrals. If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
10. You know your child best, so speak up!
As a parent, you are the best advocate for your child and the best interpreter of their needs. If you think your child is in pain, say so. If you don't think they are ready to go home, tell a member of the ER team.
Don't be afraid to ask repeated questions, and stay patient. You and your child will meet lots of different people—the emergency department team has many different health care professionals. Each doctor or nurse may need to hear your child’s story again. This may feel repetitive, but it helps the team give your child the best care.
After any ER visit or transfer, call your pediatrician for follow‑up.
More information
About Dr. Owusu-Ansah
 Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, MD, MPH, FAAP, is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She is board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine, and she also serves as an EMS physician. Dr. Owusu-Ansah is an attending physician at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, where she serves as the EMS medical director. Dr. Owusu-Ansah is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Pediatric Emergency Medicine. She has contributed to the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act. Dr. Owusu-Ansah has expertise in
health media. She has served as a medical advisor for the Emmy-nominated HBO Max series "The Pitt" and inspired the feature, "In Good Hands," a finalist for an HBO® Short Film Award.
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