When to Take Your Child to the ER in Northern California

Accidents and injuries are part of your child’s growing up. During these unexpected medical emergencies, you may not always be sure when you should take your child to the emergency room.

Pediatric ER services at Dignity Health North State aim to accurately diagnose and treat acute injuries in children and teenagers. Use InQuicker to schedule an estimated arrival time, or come straight to one of our children’s emergency rooms in Northern California.

 

When to Call 911

Depending on your child’s symptoms, immediate medical care might be the best type of treatment.

If your child or a child you’re caring for shows the following signs and symptoms, call 911 for immediate medical attention:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Inability to breathe or choking
  • Spinal or neck injury
  • Ingesting poison
  • Seizures lasting more than three minutes

 

High Fever in Children & Other Symptoms of a Medical Emergency

In some cases, your family doctor can properly care for your child’s symptoms, including a high fever. If your child has a fever along with a severe headache or stiff neck, visit the nearest emergency room, as these are symptoms of meningitis.

Other reasons to bring your child to the ER are:

  • Fever higher than 100.4 degrees in a newborn, 102.2 degrees in toddlers, or 102 degrees for several days in older children
  • Stiff neck with headache and fever
  • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
  • Vomiting blood
  • Broken bone, especially one that has cut through the skin
  • Confusion or extreme sleepiness
  • A deep cut that doesn’t stop bleeding after 15 minutes of pressure
  • Rapid heartbeat that does not slow down
  • Head trauma
  • Difficulty breathing or fainting
  • Inability to speak, walk or move
  • Seizures 
  • Serious burn
  • Suspected physical or sexual abuse
  • Severe dehydration, especially in newborns
  • Suspected ingested poisoning

 

Learn When to Go to the ER at Dignity Health North State

Some symptoms are very obvious of medical trauma. Other times, you may not be sure if your child requires immediate medical care. If you’re not sure, bring your child to an emergency department at Dignity Health North State for an expert’s evaluation.

Dignity Health North State offers 24/7 emergency care when you need to take your child to the ER in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.