While pediatricians and urgent care centers can help children with most health concerns, from time to time, a more serious threat may warrant a trip to the emergency room (ER).
A pediatric ER is a special kind of ER, providing specialized and effective emergency care for babies, children, and adolescents. It may be a freestanding building or part of a larger emergency department in a medical facility.
Pediatric ERs usually offer:
- Medical equipment meant specially for kids
- Pediatric emergency physicians on staff
- Child- and family-friendly spaces with care provided away from the general emergency care department
- Support staff trained to work with children and families
The time to look for a pediatric ER is before your child needs it, so that you’ll be prepared in the event of an emergency. Note, however, that if you have a child with a severe illness, injury or other life-threatening issue, you should call 911 and go to the nearest ER, whether it’s a general ER or a pediatric ER. Emergency physicians are trained to handle all patients, including pediatric cases. They may eventually transfer a patient out but will make sure they’re seen and stabilized first.
Questions to ask about pediatric ERs
To start your pediatric ER research, ask a pediatrician about local options. You may also consider calling area hospitals or seeking information online. Look for the answers to these key questions.
Is there a pediatric emergency care specialist on staff, or at least pediatricians available 24/7?
In the United States, about 15 percent of pediatric emergency patients are seen in pediatric ERs, according to a study published in 2024 in Pediatrics. Be sure that your child’s pediatric ER is staffed with pediatricians, pediatric nurses, and, ideally, pediatric emergency medicine specialists (not just general emergency physicians). If it is, it's an indication that they'll have the right equipment for young patients.
Do you have medications in doses appropriate for children?
Are they available in chewable or liquid form? This is important. Many hospitals don't have pediatric medications, and it can cause life-threatening complications.
Does your ER have child-sized resuscitation equipment?
Are there beds, IVs, and oxygen masks made for children? The facility should be well-stocked in extra-small sizes.
Do you have a separate area for pediatric patients?
A good pediatric ER will have a colorful, kid-friendly section to help put your child at ease. You’ll likely find a TV, toys, and coloring books (though try to remember to bring comforting favorites from home, too). While the distractions are helpful, here's the real benefit: Your child will be shielded from general ER drama while receiving personalized care from highly trained child specialists.
How many children younger than 6 years do you treat every week?
Pediatric visits account for roughly 25 percent of all ER trips in the U.S., according to the 2024 Pediatrics study. Of those, 40 percent involve babies and kids through age 5. These very young children have different needs than adults. You want an ER staff that's adept at dealing with infants, energetic toddlers, and you, as a concerned parent.
Do you have a separate urgent-care satellite center?
If a nearby hospital doesn't have a dedicated pediatric ER, you may get treated faster in their satellite center compared to the general ER. Get advice from staff at the hospital and satellite center when doing your research ahead of time.
Is the hospital accredited by the Joint Commission?
If so, it means the hospital has voluntarily met national health and safety standards. You can find out by going to the Joint Commission's Quality Check website to see whether the hospital is accredited (as well as how it's performing in several key areas).
Are there translators available onsite or via phone?
Adults in your child’s life—such as a nanny, babysitter, or grandparent—may need translation services. This can be critical in moments of stress and medical emergency. All departments are required to have translation services.
What to do next
Once you've identified your pediatric ER options, map out how to get there and do a couple of dry runs before you have to seek care. In a real-life situation, you might not be driving, but at least you'll know the route.
Hold on to your list of other options, too. If your child is at a sleepover four towns away or is playing Little League in a neighboring community when they need medical assistance, it may come in handy. Remember, though: For a child with a life-threatening emergency, call 911 so you can be taken to the nearest ER.
By their very nature, emergencies are unplanned. Be prepared.
