What Is A Child Health Emergency?

A child health emergency is an illness or injury that may threaten a child's life if action is not taken immediately; for instance:

·         Loss of consciousness (the child cannot wake up)

·         Seizures or convulsions

·         Choking on food, drink, or object

·         Falls from high places

·         Severe burns

·         Breathing difficulty

·         Eating or drinking something poisonous

·         Heavy bleeding that will not stop

·         Injuries from a car or bike crash

·         High fever

·         Diarrhea or vomiting lasting than 24 hours

Small cuts, low fevers, minor diarrhea or constipation, stomachaches, earaches, minor bruises, minor nosebleeds, rashes and sprains are non-emergency problems. A parent or caregiver who has basic first-aid skills and a first-aid kit can handle most of these problems. If you are not sure about what to do for a health problem that is not an emergency, call the primary care provider. If determined to be an emergency or if you are not sure, dial 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.