Advice to Parents About Their Child's Visit to the ER

The ER can often be a scary place for children suffering from an injury or sickness, which only adds to the stress experienced by their parents.

Although we hope your child never has to visit the ER, these five tips should help should that time occur.

1. Ask questions

You can take comfort in knowing the SMH Emergency Department staff consists of board-certified physicians, nurses and other personnel specially trained in emergency medicine.

However, if you are unsure about an explanation, symptom or diagnosis, do not be afraid to ask. Our staff is happy to take all the time needed to answer any question you may have.

2. Remain with your child as much as possible

You are the best person to keep your child calm during an ER visit. Ask permission to stay with them while medical tests and procedures are being conducted.

Since your child will most likely be fearful of procedures being performed, (especially if that involves needles) it's important that you remain calm. Hold their hand or distract them with a story or game. Not only will that help to comfort them, it will do you a lot of good, too.

3. Know your child's medical history

Make the doctor and nurse aware of any pre-existing medical conditions and what medicines they are allergic to, if any. Also, provide as much detail as you can about the injury or illness.

4. Help your child understand what is happening

Depending on his or her age, it's likely your child may have questions of their own. In that event, ask the medical team to explain things in a way your child can understand. Encourage them to speak to your child directly.

While our ER staff is experts at relating to children, keep in mind that their first priority is to treat your child's condition.

5. Explain how ER visits work

Describe the emergency department's process for seeing patients to your child in order to help them understand what will take place. The following is a list of the routine steps.

Typically, the first thing you will do when you arrive is sign in at the front desk. After that, you will see a triage nurse who will take down the necessary information. Their job is to ensure that the sickest people get seen first, so don't be put off if you are asked to wait.

Should your child's condition demands quicker treatment, you may be taken directly into the ER to be seen by a doctor. Otherwise, you will be asked to sit in the waiting area until it’s your turn. If so, you'll find items such as books, games, and TVs to keep your child busy.

When it's your turn, someone will call your name and lead you to an examination room. While there, you may have to wait a while longer to see a doctor.

Explain to your child that he or she will be placed in a bed and that you will stay with them throughout the entire time while in the room. Also, tell them that they will see equipment to monitor patients (such as heart rate and blood pressure), as well as machines to help them breathe. Point out that just because a particular piece of equipment does not mean they will need to use it.

Once the doctor arrives, he or she will speak with you and your child, examine them, and make decisions about any tests they may require. When the needed tests have been done, the doctor may prescribe medication, treat the child (depending on the nature of the illness or injury), and send you home.

In the event your child is admitted to the hospital, help them understand that they will be there overnight and that you or another family member will stay with them.

When you visit the ER, fear and stress need not be the order of the day. Follow these five steps to help make it as painless as possible.