Helpful Hints for Parents
Pediatric Emergency Department
What You Can Do to Help Your Child
During a medical emergency, you are the best person to help your child feel comfortable and safe. Although it may be difficult at times, reassure your child by staying calm.
- Give frequent hugs, and distract your child with stories, pictures or books.
- Be patient with your child.
- Help your child understand what is happening.
- Be honest to your child about what he or she can expect.
- Use age appropriate language that is easy to understand.
- Allow your child to talk about worries or feelings.
- Remind you child that it’s okay to feel worried or cry, but help them talk about their feelings.
- Listen to your child and help them understand that their feelings are normal and reassure them that they have done nothing wrong.
- Help your child see hospital staff as helpers.
- Remind your child that the staff has a lot of experience helping children feel better.
- Ask questions and encourage your child to ask questions so they can participate in their health care.
Tips for a Child's Medical Emergency
If an emergency arises, parents can help take the anxiety out of a hospital visit by planning ahead. Remember, for life-threatening emergencies call 911.
- For non-life threatening emergencies, try contacting your own physician first.
- Treat your child with pain relief or wound care before heading to the ER.
- Try to leave siblings at home.
- Bring your child’s medical history including doctor contact information, vaccinations and medications.
- Follow discharge instructions from the ED and follow up with your pediatrician if needed.