Urgency or Emergency?

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08/01/2016

Published in Summer 2016

When your child is sick or injured, it’s natural to panic and head straight for the closest emergency department (ED). In some cases, the illness or injury can be handled at an urgent care clinic, or treatment can wait until your child’s doctor can see them. How can you tell the difference? Pediatrician Salwa Khan, M.D., explains.

What is the difference between an urgent care facility and an emergency department?

An urgent care center is a good place to go when you are sick or injured, but can’t wait for an appointment with your regular doctor. Conditions like ear pain, sore throat, vomiting, sprains and shallow cuts can be treated there.

EDs are the best place to go for severe or life-threatening conditions. They have a wider range of labs and diagnostic testing compared to urgent care centers. Providers also have access to a number of specialists, if needed. Johns Hopkins Bayview has a separate pediatric ED where providers specialize in the care of children.

What is the benefit of a pediatric ED?

Providers are trained in the care of children and bring an extra dose of understanding to a frightened child. Whether it’s placing an IV or giving medicine, everything is done with the care and compassion needed to help the child and their family feel comfortable.

Our Pediatric Center is a combined ED and inpatient unit staffed by a team of providers who are trained in the medical, emotional and developmental needs of children.

For more information, call the Pediatric Emergency Department at 410-550-0350.

How can parents determine the best place to go for care?

Remember your ABCs:

Airway—If your child is choking or the path to the lungs is blocked, call 911.

Breathing—When a child has difficulty breathing, they may make high-pitched sounds, breathe very fast, wheeze or grunt. If the symptoms continue for more than 10 minutes, it’s time to seek emergency medical attention.

Circulation—Bring your child to the ED if you notice decreased urination (fewer than two soaked diapers a day), a sunken soft spot on the head, a sticky mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, fatigue and/or clammy skin.

Disability—If your child is unconscious or having a seizure, call 911. A child’s fi rst seizure should be treated as an emergency to rule out a more serious problem. For future episodes, there is no need to call 911 unless the seizure lasts longer than five minutes.

Eating/Exposure—If your child has put something in his or her mouth, and you are worried about possible poisoning, call your local Poison Control Center. If your child has swallowed a large object, go to the emergency department immediately.