Many minor injuries can be handled at home. But there are times when a trip to an emergency room (ER) is needed. Take your child to an emergency room if they have any of these:
Trouble breathing
Coughing up blood
Blue or purple color to lips, skin, or nails
Severe chest or stomach pain or pressure
Severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
Sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision
Loss of consciousness, confusion, or trouble waking
Seizures
Animal, snake, or human bites
Severe pain
Loss of motion or feeling anywhere in the body
Severe bleeding or bleeding that does not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of direct pressure
Severe burns
Burns of the face
Broken bones
Puncture wounds
Head, spinal cord, or eye injuries
Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or tongue, fainting, or trouble breathing, swallowing, or wheezing
Exposure to poison. Follow instructions from the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
Any ongoing or worsening confusion, headache, or vomiting after any type of head injury
Serious threats of self-harm
This is not a full list. There are other problems that may need emergency care. Contact your child's healthcare provider for more information.