Pediatric emergencies: 6 commandments of ER care

If your child has a serious or potentially life-threatening injury, follow these six rules to help ensure the best possible outcome.

1. Stay calm. If you freak out, so will your child.

2. If your child is unresponsive, call 911 and do the ABC check:

• Check the Airway to make sure it's not blocked.
• Check for Breathing (sounds of inhaled and exhaled air).
• Check for Circulation (your child's pulse). If you need to start CPR or do the Heimlich maneuver, the dispatcher can walk you through the steps while the paramedics are en route. Better yet, be prepared by taking a CPR class or refresher course.

3. Stop any bleeding by applying pressure to the wound. Remember to keep holding it and don't peek. Every time you relieve the pressure, the bleeding will restart. So hold on, and apply pressure for at least 10 minutes. (Be prepared: Scalp and tongue wounds are especially bloody, so try not to overreact. Follow the same steps for these wounds.)

4. Don't move your child if you suspect a head, neck, or back injury. With any serious head injury, assume your child also has a broken neck, just in case. Wait for the paramedics.

5. If a finger or toe has been cut off, apply pressure to the wound. Then place a cloth, towel, or plastic bag around the body part and ice it. Make sure it isn't directly touching the ice and is protected. The body part can probably be reattached if the surgery's done within 6 hours.

6. On the chance that your child will need emergency surgery, don't offer them any food or drinks. It's much safer to get anesthesia on an empty stomach.