The young patients’ comfort is of the utmost importance. From the gentle touch of a nurse consoling a scared toddler to the brightly decorated rooms and playroom stocked with toys and games, the goal of our pediatric emergency staff is to provide comfort and compassion during what can be a scary time for a child. We also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) in some situations to help minimize pain and apprehension.

If the child needs to be admitted to the hospital, the inpatient rooms are designed with families in mind. Each private room includes a television, pullout sleeper sofa and private bath so that parents may stay by their child’s side throughout the hospitalization.

Equipment and supplies are age and size appropriate, recognizing that children are not just “little adults.”

Parents surveyed rank the care provided by our team among the best in the nation compared to hospitals with similar services.

The Children’s Care Center at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center provides emergency treatment for more than 16,000 children a year. Despite these large numbers, each child receives individualized care from Johns Hopkins pediatricians and a specially trained pediatric staff. The center provides emergency, inpatient and observation care for children 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The unit features 11 private emergency treatment rooms and six private inpatient rooms. There is a separate waiting area for children and families once they have been triaged. To access the pediatric emergency room, enter the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center emergency entrance and main waiting area.

• high fever and infection
• head or body injury
• breathing problems
• concussion
• seizure
• gastrointestinal symptoms
• abdominal pain
• dehydration
• lacerations
• broken bones

For infants and small children, certain symptoms can cause concern and should be seen at the hospital right away. Learn more about symptoms that may indicate something serious in this video series.