Every parent wants what’s best for their child, and to help prepare yourself for anything, you need to keep abreast of pediatric emergencies. Knowing when an emergency situation occurs is important because quick action is vital when it comes to the health of a child.
Unfortunately, it can be hard to determine when a child is experiencing a medical emergency, or when he or she is just feeling under the weather. With that in mind, the following are some of the most common pediatric emergencies parents need to be aware of, and how you can determine when your child is experiencing one.
Exploring Different Kinds of Pediatric Emergencies for Your Kids
1. Falls
While falling is no fun for anyone, kids are especially susceptible to falls because they are often out and about, playing and exploring wherever they can. Falls can cause serious injury to small children, whether they’re falling from a height or slipping on a surface.
Additionally, falls can result in broken bones, cuts, and concussions. In general, falls are the most common pediatric emergency, and the first thing to do if you suspect your child has fallen is to ask him or her, “Are you okay?”
If he or she seems not to answer, is crying, or if there is any blood, cuts, or bruises, then you need to call 911 or visit the emergency room as soon as possible.
2. Burns
Burns are another common pediatric emergency. Most burns occur because of scalding hot water in the kitchen, or when a child is playing with matches. Burns can be very painful and can lead to scarring if they are severe enough.
In order to know if your child has a burn emergency, look for red or blistered skin, swelling, and discoloration. If you think your child is experiencing a burn, call 911 or head to the emergency room for help.
3. Trauma
Trauma is a blanket term that covers any kind of physical injury, not just burns and falls. Trauma isn’t always outwardly visible and can require a CT scan or an x-ray to diagnose. If the trauma isn’t visible, and there are no witnesses, it can be hard to determine how severe the injury is and how much treatment your child needs.
If you suspect your child has a head injury, then, without disturbing him or her, call 911 right away. Even if you’re unsure if your child was injured, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and head to the emergency room if you suspect your child has a wound or some kind of trauma.
4. Skin Conditions
Most skin conditions are minor and don’t pose a serious threat to your child. But, some skin conditions can be quite severe, especially if they go untreated. If you see rashes or other skin conditions, whether on your child’s body or face, then it’s best to visit a dermatologist as soon as possible.
This will help to determine the severity of the skin condition, how to treat it, and whether it’s something to be concerned about.
5. Cuts and Punctures
In order to tell if a cut is something to be concerned with, look for bleeding that won’t stop, swelling, redness, and whether or not the cut is on the face or head. If a cut is pushing against a bone or has very deep layers, then a doctor should look at it to determine how severe it is and if stitches are needed to close it.
The Bottom Line: Seeking Immediate Medical Aid When Your Kid is in an Emergency Situation
When it comes to our kids’ health, we want to make sure we’re paying attention to all possible situations that can happen. If you’re working to prepare yourself to act quickly when something goes wrong, then you’ll be more prepared to help your kids when they need you.
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Parents want nothing but the best for their kids; that’s why it’s only right to treat their discomfort from injuries or illnesses at the best urgent care for children in Orlando, FL. We offer 24/7 medical services, so you don’t have to worry about rushing to the emergency room when your child gets sick after-hours.
