By: Katherine Flynn-O’Brien, MD, MPH, FACS, FAAP & Mary E. Fallat, MD, FACS, FAAP

If your child breaks a bone, struggles to breathe, or suffers from terrifying thoughts that tell them life isn’t worth living, do you want to know how you can help them?

These are examples of medical emergencies that parents and caregivers should be prepared to handle. Here’s how to know when your child needs emergency care, which numbers to call and steps to take – plus a selection of courses to expand your emergency skills.

Childhood emergencies and what causes them

A medical emergency is defined as any time when a sudden injury or illness could end a child’s life or seriously harm their health. Injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States, so families must prepare to act when seconds count.

The most common injuries seen in children and teenagers include:

Not all medical emergencies stem from sudden injuries. Children may need emergency help when existing health conditions flare up. For example, a child with
asthma or allergies may have difficulty breathing even after rescue medication has been given. Children with
diabetes can go into shock when their blood sugar rises. Children with epilepsy can have severe
attack that require urgent medical attention.

Know when to call 911

If your child is ill or injured but does not appear to be in serious danger, it is usually best to contact their doctor first. But
call 911 immediately if your child or teenager:

• Can’t breathe

• have one attack

• Loser consciousness

• Have a serious injury (examples: a broken bone, broken limb, deep wound)

• Bleeding and you can’t stop it

• Have serious skin burn or escaping a burning room in an enclosed space

• Consumes something poisonous

• have one severe allergic reaction

• Suffocating on something you can’t let go of

• Witness or are the victim of a serious crime

• Found unresponsive after being underwater

If you’re not sure what’s wrong, but you think your child is in danger, call 911. The operator will ask questions and guide you through the next steps in finding the care your child may need.

When should you call 988 for mental health problems?

988 is the nation’s
Suicide and Crisis Lifelinewhere trained counselors are available 24/7 to help anyone facing a mental health crisis. Parents, carers and family members can
call, text or chat to find emergency help for a child or teenager experiencing:

• Suicidal thoughts or actions; the urge to harm oneself

• A desire to hurt others

• Dangerous mood swings

• Outbursts of rage, anger or sadness

• Extreme anxiety or sadness

• Any mental health concern that affects your child’s daily life

Livlinen has an option for those who are
deaf or hard of hearing. All services are free and confidential. You can learn more about 988
here.

When to call Poison Control

If your child swallows something that may be toxic, call 1-800-222-1222 for immediate help, even if they are not showing signs or symptoms of illness. Possible toxins include:

Have the package with what your child has swallowed in your hand when you call. This will help the operator locate potential hazards and advise you on how to find care near you. Learn more about poison control and first aid for poisoning in an emergency
here.

While you wait for help to arrive

These steps can protect your child (and possibly even save their life).

• Keep as calm as you can. This will help your child manage their own emotions.

• If your child is not breathing, give
  rescuing breaths.

• If their heart has stopped, apply CPR (or find someone who can).

• If your child is bleeding, apply constant pressure to the area with a clean cloth.

• If your child has a seizure, gently place him on the floor with his head and body turned to the side. Do not put anything in their mouth.

• Do not move an injured child unless in immediate danger (eg from a fire).

• Stay with your child until help arrives. Bring any medications they regularly take with you to the hospital.

• When you get to the emergency room, share your pediatrician’s name and contact information with the emergency team. This helps coordinate care with your child’s doctor, which can make a big difference in helping them recover.

Training that prepares you to handle emergency situations

All parents and relatives can benefit from learning CPR or CPR. This technique can save a child’s life when their heart stops beating. The American Red Cross offers
CPR training in almost all societies. The American Heart Association offers a CPR course tailored to the needs of
friends and family.

Another emergency skill is knowing how to clear your child’s throat if they are choking. Here is
the steps which can help you clear a child’s airway (and possibly save a life).

For more lifesaving knowledge, consider taking this first aid course designed
especially for parents.

Check 911 coverage if you live in a remote area

In the United States, 911 is designated as a universal emergency number. This means that it can be called from any phone (mobile or landline) to reach police, fire or medical help. However, there are some remote or underserved areas that may have limited 911 coverage.

If you are concerned that 911 calls may not connect where you live, you can make a test call using the non-emergency number at your nearest 911 call center. (Get instructions for making a test call
here.) The operator who answers your test call can advise you to call for help in a medical emergency.

More information