Need help finding the right care for your little one?
Pediatric Emergency Departments nationwide, including Children’s
Hospital New Orleans’ three emergency locations, are experiencing
extremely high volumes due to increasing rates of respiratory illness
in kids. Thank you for your understanding and patience while we care for
patients as quickly and safely as possible.
Always call 911 if you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency,
such as chest pain or severe bleeding.
Emergency Care
Major medical emergencies which are life or limb threatening require a
trip to the emergency department.
Some reasons to seek emergency care include:
Large lacerations/wounds with bleeding that won't stop
Fever of >100.42 Fin a child younger than 60 days (2 months) old
Seizure lasting more than 2 minutes in a child.with.no prior history of
a seizure Any of the following conditions after a head injury: decrease
in level of alertness, confusion, headache, vomiting, irritability, difficulty walking
Loss in co nscio usn ess
Severe abdominal pain
Severe burns
Swallowed object with difficulty breathing or swallowing
Severe bone fractures
Difficulty breathing or bluish tinge to lips, skin, fingertips, or nail
beds Vomiting or coughing up blood
Severe neck stiffness or rash along with a fever
Poisonings
Eye pain
Croup
Any venomous bites or stings with spreading local redness and swelling,
or evidence of general illness
New or worsening psychiatric or behavioral health issue
Worsening of most chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, etc.
Urgent care centers are an option for common medical problems when a physician’s
office is closed or unable to provide an appointment. Urgent Cares often
offer extended hours in the evenings and weekends.
Urgent care can be a convenient option to treat minor illnesses and injuries, such as:
Minor burns
Earache or ear infection
Pink eye
Potential urinary tract infection (UTI)
Sore throats and potential strep throat
Rashes and mild skin infections
Gastrointestinal illnesses, such as vomiting and diarrhea with mild dehydration
Simple wounds
Foreign objects in ears and noses Colds and coughs
Allergies
As a first step in nonemergency situations, the American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends calling your pediatrician's office-your child's "medical
home" - to discuss your child's needs.
