Emergency Medicine

Call your pediatrician (if time allows)

It’s always helpful to see if your child’s pediatrician’s office is still open and able to see your child.

Gather important information

Bring your child’s insurance card, medication list, list of allergies, and any pertinent medical information.

Pack essentials

Bring comfort items like your child’s favorite toy or blanket. Pack distractions such as a phone or tablet with headphones and chargers, books, a sound machine, or games. Don’t forget snacks, water, portable chargers, and any medications your child may need.

Prepare your child

If possible, explain where you’re going and why. Use simple, honest language and reassure them that doctors and nurses are there to help.

Example: 

“I know you’re not feeling great right now. We’re going to a special part of the hospital called the Emergency Department, where doctors and nurses help kids feel better when they need help quickly. I’ll be with you the whole time.”

Triage

When you arrive, a nurse will check your child’s vital signs (heart rate, breathing rate, temperature, and blood pressure) and ask questions to understand how serious the situation is.

Waiting room

If the ED is busy and your child’s condition is not urgent, you may need to wait. Use this time to help your child stay calm with comfort items, playing iSpy, or watching videos.

NPO

Sometimes the medical team may want your child to be an NPO, which stands for “nothing by mouth.” This means your child cannot eat or drink for a period of time in case tests or procedures are needed.

Exams and tests

The medical team may perform tests such as X-rays, blood work, or physical exams to determine what’s going on.

Treatment

Depending on the issue, treatment may include medication, bandages, fluids, or stitches. You’ll be kept informed throughout the visit.

For your child

Bring things to help your child feel safe, busy, and cared for.

• Comfort & Entertainment: Favorite stuffed animal, blanket, electronic device, books, stress ball or fidget toy
• Chargers: For all devices
• Clothing: Extra set of clothes, socks, and underwear
• Practical Items: List of your child’s medications and allergies, water bottle and snacks (check with staff before giving anything), and medications if your child is due for a dose soon

For you

• Taking care of yourself helps you care for your child.
• Comfort & Entertainment: Sweater, socks, and comfortable shoes; books, devices, headphones, and charging cords
• Clothing: Extra set of clothes and a sweatshirt – it can be cold!
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, and hand sanitizer
• Practical Items: ID, insurance card, and medications

Pro tip

Keep a checklist printed and attached to a small “ED Go Bag” if your child has a condition that may lead to frequent emergency room visits, so you can grab and go when needed.

Thermometer
A thermometer checks your body temperature to see if you have a fever. Some thermometers go in your ear, while others scan your forehead. The test only takes a few seconds and does not hurt.

Blood pressure cuff
A soft wrap that goes around your arm and gently squeezes. It checks how hard your heart is working. It may feel tight for a few seconds, but it doesn’t hurt.

Stethoscope
Doctors and nurses use a stethoscope to listen to your heartbeat and breathing. The round part of the stethoscope rests on your chest or back and may feel a little cool when it touches your skin.

Pulse oximeter
A small clip that gently goes on your finger. It checks how much oxygen is in your blood. It doesn’t hurt at all.

IV pole and pump
If the doctor decides you need medicine or fluids, they may use an IV (a tiny tube placed in your arm or hand).

The pole holds the medicine bag.

• The pump makes sure the medicine goes into your body at the right speed.
• The IV helps medicine work faster to help you feel better.

Monitor
A screen that shows information about your body, like your heart rate and breathing. Doctors and nurses use it to see how your body is doing while you’re in the ED.

X-ray machine
Takes special pictures of your bones or the inside of your body. It’s large and may make clicking sounds, but it doesn’t touch you and doesn’t hurt.

Oxygen mask or tubes
If you need help breathing, the care team may give you extra oxygen.

• A mask fits gently over your nose and mouth.

• Nasal tubes are soft and rest just inside your nose.

Both help your body get the oxygen it needs.

Hospital bed
Hospital beds can move up, down, or help you sit up with the push of a button. They have rails on the sides to help keep you safe.

Lights and call button
Bright lights help doctors see better when checking your body.

The call button lets you, your parent, or caregiver ask for help if you need something.

Needle and syringe
Sometimes a shot is needed to help you get better.

• The syringe holds the medicine
• The needle gives the medicine to your body.

It’s a quick poke and is over in just a few seconds.

Medical gowns, gloves, and masks
Doctors and nurses wear these to help keep everyone safe from germs. They protect you and help the care team stay healthy while taking care of patients.

Triage nurse

The triage nurse is usually the first person you meet. They ask questions about how your child is feeling and check things like temperature, heart rate, and breathing to decide how urgently your child needs to be seen.

Front desk staff

Front desk staff help parents and caregivers with forms and make sure the hospital has important information like your child’s name, birthday, and insurance details.

Emergency room nurse

Emergency room nurses care for your child throughout the visit. They give medicine, monitor symptoms, perform treatments, and work closely with the doctor to help your child feel better.

Emergency room doctor

The emergency room doctor leads your child’s medical care. They determine what’s wrong, order tests if needed, and decide on the best treatment plan.

Advanced practice provider (APP)

An Advanced Practice Provider—such as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA)—works closely with doctors to diagnose conditions, order tests, prescribe medicine, and answer questions. They often spend extra time supporting families.

Child life specialist

Child life specialists explain what’s happening in kid-friendly language. They use toys, games, and coping tools to help children feel calmer and more confident during their ED visit.

CNA / Technician

A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) or technician supports doctors and nurses by checking vital signs like blood pressure and temperature. They also help with comfort items such as blankets, towels, or snacks.

Radiology technician

If your child needs imaging—such as an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound—this team member safely takes pictures of the inside of your child’s body to help doctors diagnose problems.

Respiratory therapist

If your child is having trouble breathing, a respiratory therapist provides treatments like oxygen, breathing medications, or breathing support devices.

Security officer

Security officers help keep everyone safe. You may see them near entrances or walking throughout the Emergency Department.

Environmental services

Environmental services staff keep the Emergency Department clean and sanitized, helping protect patients, families, and staff from germs.

Stay calm and reassuring

Your child takes cues from you. Be present, speak softly and honestly, and stay close.

Advocate for your child

Share concerns and ask questions. You know your child best. Encourage your child to ask questions too, if they are able.

Comfort and distract

Books, games, music, or videos can help pass the time and reduce anxiety.

Take breaks (if needed)

If another caregiver is present, it’s okay to step away briefly to reset.

Follow-up

Understand discharge instructions and schedule follow-up appointments as recommended.

Watch for changes

Monitor your child for new or worsening symptoms and contact your doctor if you have concerns.

Care for yourself

ED visits can be stressful. Take time to rest, talk with someone, and care for your own well-being.

Talk about it

Reassure your child after the visit. Let them share their feelings, answer questions, and recognize their bravery.