Preparing Your Child for the ER Germantown, TN
It is always distressing to see your child fall ill. Before going to an ER, it is essential to know how to prepare your child and family. You should also know when it is more appropriate to take your child to their primary care doctor instead.
On this page, we will discuss when to visit an emergency room, when to visit a primary care doctor, and how to ease your child before coming in. If you live in or near Germantown and are not sure if you should take your child to the ER, we can help.
Talk to the Pediatrician
Children can feel less intimidated when they have a good relationship with the pediatrician. The ideal children's doctor will explain what happens in the emergency room and establish a sense of trust in the relationship. However, a pediatrician may not always be available for immediate or emergency health issues. With this in mind, it is crucial for parents to speak with their pediatrician about what constitutes a visit to an ER or their office.
No matter the type of treatment or location, the success of any medical treatment relies heavily on open communication. As such, it is imperative for parents to speak candidly with the doctor. Our primary care facility can help deal with minor injuries, illnesses, and other health issues. If a parent is unsure about what to do in a medical situation, we can offer guidance. However, if it is a medical emergency, then calling 911 or going to the ER is necessary.
“No matter the type of treatment or location, the success of any medical treatment relies heavily on open communication.”
Talking to Your Child
Bumps, bruises, illnesses, and other common health mishaps are a natural part of life that everyone will experience at one point or another. Many of these incidents can be treated at a primary care facility. However, the most severe conditions call for visiting a 24-hour emergency room.
Parents should take their children to the ER when they are experiencing severe bleeding, fever over 102 degrees, difficulty breathing, or a severe burn. However, a child that needs to go to the emergency room is likely to be under significant duress. As such, parents can help comfort their children by speaking candidly, but rationally, to them about what to expect at the emergency room.
Speak Positively
Parents should take care to use positive wording when preparing children for a visit to the emergency room. Being attentive to the child's emotions is crucial since how something is said is often more important than what is being said. For instance, a study published by the Society for Research in Child Development found that positive expression by a parent improved a child's emotional regulation. In other words, telling a child how a doctor's role is to make them feel better can set a positive tone for a visit.
Reassure the Child
Getting sick or hurt can be frightening for a young patient, and a visit to the doctor can be stressful for any child. Luckily, with prompt and proper treatment, the pain and discomfort do not have to persist. Parents should reinforce the idea that doctors and nurses have the child's well-being in mind and have been well-trained to do so. Parents can also mention the years of schooling a medical professional must undergo to secure a specific title to further emphasize their competenc
Relate Experiences
If a parent has spent time in an emergency room for their own needs, it may be helpful to share those memories. The parent can talk about why they went to the hospital and how the staff provided relief. That way, children can have a point of reference and better understand what to expect when they arrive.
Do Not Lie
Still, parents should not mislead children and make them think the emergency room can solve any problem with ease. If the child asks questions about the procedures, the parent should be open and honest with them. Instead of lying and saying there will not be any pain, parents should acknowledge that it can be scary to go to the hospital but that the staff will work hard and do their best to help them get well.
Stay Calm
Parents must keep their emotions in check when taking a child to the emergency room. If a parent panics, the child likely will too. Keep a level head and calm demeanor as much as possible.
“Parents can help comfort their children by speaking candidly but rationally to them about what to expect at the emergency room.”
Planning Your Visit
When a child has a health emergency, it is easy to get carried away and rush out the door without any second thoughts. However, planning an ER visit can help facilitate the experience immensely. If possible or necessary, parents may want to bring a family member or friend with them to help keep them level-headed. They should also remember to bring any records of the child's health history, medications, and a copy of their insurance card (if applicable). These records should include:
- A list of any current allergies, medications, or significant health events
- A valid form of identification for the parent
- Copies of any recently performed medical procedures or tests
- Emergency contact information (if the parent is not emergency contact)
- Names of the child’s personal physicians
Parents should also know when their child's health problems began, along with their past and current symptoms. Additionally, parents should note any previous treatments and medicines, along with when the child last had anything to eat or drink. Many parents also find they benefit from packing a bag of things for their child to play with. This may include toys and crayons. If the problem is severe and will likely warrant an overnight stay, parents should also bring a change of clothes and toothbrushes for both themselves and their child.
“If the problem is severe and will likely warrant an overnight stay, parents should also bring a change of clothes and toothbrushes for both themselves and their child.”
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Choosing the Right Emergency Room
Every parent puts their child first. As such, it is crucial to do the proper research before choosing which emergency room to go to. It is ideal for parents to discuss all their options with their child's personal physicians. Different hospitals rank differently in quality of care, patient safety, and emergency care. Furthermore, one study showed that busier emergency rooms have higher survival rates. Parents may also want to check the Informed Patient Institute to compare hospitals.
Furthermore, it is always better to be prepared. If possible, parents should determine the hospital they will use in case of an emergency well in advance. If applicable, they should also ensure that the hospital is in-network to avoid any extraneous costs. It is also crucial to designate a hospital for follow-up care.
Finally, parents should know what ambulance to call in case of an emergency. This ambulance should be covered in their health plan's network. Parents should share the number for this ambulance with a trusted confidante and keep a copy of it in a safe place. By having all this information ready, parents can reduce stress and overall costs while getting their child the best care possible.
“If possible, parents should determine the hospital they will use in case of an emergency well in advance.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why is it important to talk to my child's emergency room physician?
Q. How do I keep my child calm before visiting the emergency room?
Q. Should I bring anything to the emergency room with me?
Q. How can I choose the right emergency room for my child?
Q. What will my child's emergency room experience be like?
People Also Ask
Q. Should I tell my child the truth about the emergency room?
Emergency Room Experience for Children
On this page, we have talked about how to make the emergency room less intimidating to children. Part of this should also involve telling them what to expect. (This typically also helps calm down parents as well.) Parents must not over-sensationalize the experience. Instead, they should simply let their children know that they are going to the hospital to fix a health problem. Again, reinforce that the doctors and nurses are on their side.
Parents can explain what they are doing while filling out the necessary papers and prep them for any questions. These may include what symptoms they have been experiencing and how long they have been experiencing them. Offer children any reassurance they need, especially in times of confusion. Describe any objects in the hospital room to make them appear less foreign and frightening. Most hospitals will allow at least one parent to stay in the emergency room with them at all times, especially overnight. Parents can help facilitate their children's relationships with doctors and nurses, but they should be careful not to be too overbearing or emotional. Otherwise, children may feel a sense of urgency and become stressed.
“Most hospitals will allow at least one parent to stay in the emergency room with them at all times, especially overnight.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can the emergency room give me medical advice over the phone?
A. For many parents, it is a natural reaction to call and ask if their child's situation is severe enough to go to the emergency room. However, emergency rooms cannot give medical advice over the phone. A doctor's office can answer any questions you may have instead.
Q. What happens when my child is admitted to the hospital?
A. Once admitted, the hospital will assign your child a room. A nurse will receive a report on the child's condition and what treatments they have undergone in the emergency room. Then, the nurse will take you and your child to the room to get the process started.
Q. Will the hospital let my child's pediatrician know about the visit?
A. Yes, the hospital will send a summary of your child's visit to their pediatrician. This report may involve the doctor's recommendation, any labs and tests conducted, prescriptions, imaging interpretations, and other pertinent information. You will also receive a copy of the report.
Q. What should I do after my child is discharged from the emergency room?
A. The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. We will provide you with discharge instructions once your child has been discharged. You will also be able to talk to the doctor and nurses about their recommendations.
Q. Are emergency rooms "first come, first serve"?
A. No. Emergency rooms prioritize patients based on the severity of their injury or condition. Once you and your child arrive, a nurse will likely see your child for a quick evaluation, also known as triage. This evaluation allows the nurse to determine which of your child's medical needs are the most pressing.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Definition of Medical Terminology
Call Us Today
Even in emergencies, you and your child can cope. The 24-hour emergency room may be a daunting place, but it can help treat the most severe conditions. Get your child ready for a possible visit by following the steps listed above. If you are in or around Germantown and think it would be best to talk to a medical professional about your concerns, contact People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown at 901-257-3077.
Helpful Related Links
- American Academy of Family Physicians. American Academy of Family Physicians. 2022
- American Headache Society. American Headache Society. 2022
- American Journal of Medicine. American Journal of Medicine. 2022
- American Medical Association (AMA). American Medical Association (AMA). 2022
- American Trauma Society. American Trauma Society. 2022
- Stanford Children’s Health. Stanford Children’s Health. 2022
- The AAP Parenting Website. The AAP Parenting Website. 2022
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