True Emergencies Are Rare Events
By Dr. Gary A. Weinberger
A true emergency is an illness or injury which may cause permanent harm to your child or threaten his life. A true emergency is a rare event.
In fact, it is very uncommon for children to become seriously ill without warning. Furthermore, consulting your child's pediatrician for treatment in a timely manner can prevent an illness from turning into an emergency.
Emergencies that may occur with an illness include decreased alertness or unconsciousness, trouble breathing, bleeding which does not stop, blue skin or lips, seizures, and severe persistent pain.
Many true emergencies involve sudden injuries. Examples include violent impacts as with falls or motor vehicle accidents, as well as poisoning, burns, drowning, gunshot or knife wounds, and electric shocks.
In case of poisoning or swallowing another person's medication, always call your pediatrician or poison control center even if your child appears well.
Fever is a problem which commonly worries parents. However, parents should remember that fever is not an illness and usually is a positive sign that the body is fighting infection. Most children with fever only require treatment of the fever to make them more comfortable.
In some instance your pediatrician will want to know about your child's fever as soon as possible. These instances include:
Adequate access to emergency medical services for all children is best ensured by parents recognizing the symptoms of a true emergency, something your pediatrician can help you to understand. However, always call for help if you are concerned that your child's life may be in danger or if your child is seriously hurt.
- A newborn- to two-month-old infant with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- A three- to six-month-old infant with a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Any other child with a temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher