Being a parent isn’t always easy, particularly when it comes to keeping your kids out of harm’s way.  Throughout their childhoods, you may have several scares when you aren’t sure what the protocol is on their particular set of injuries or illness.

A lot of parents jump in the car and go to urgent care at the slightest sign of a bruise. However, it’s important to know the right steps.  In order to make it an experience which goes as smoothly as possible, you should follow these tips before you go to the emergency room on a whim.

Call Your Pediatrician

It’s advantageous to call your pediatrician first and ask what their recommendation is for their set of circumstances.  Often new parents may think that a child’s condition is much worse than it actually is. A pediatrician can help determine the best route of action and rule out going to the emergency room if necessary.

Since trips to the E.R. can be long and costly, it’s nice to avoid it if possible.  Usually, your pediatrician will be open to receiving calls for guidance, and if not, they typically provide an alternate number for you to call to obtain medical advice.

Stay Calm

Children can easily pick up on fear and stress.  It’s important to stay calm during a health scare otherwise you may make things worse.

Don’t let them see you sweat and be as reassuring as possible.  Panic induces panic, so for everyone’s sake stay calm and positive.  You’ll find that it will be much less traumatic for everyone involved.

Give Your Child Medication At Home

If your child is experiencing a considerable amount of pain or discomfort, try to treat them at home before going to the emergency room.  Alleviating the symptoms a little will help them suffer less on the road and once they’ve arrived.

A lot of people who have never been to the ER may think that it’s a straightforward in and out experience. However, it’s never first come, first serve.  It’s about how serious people’s injuries are. So if there is someone facing life and death and your child has a fever, you may have to wait for a considerable amount of time before being seen and given medication.

Call Ahead

When you’re looking for emergency treatment for kids, you may want to call ahead and make sure that their facility is equipped for younger children.

Many people arrive at an emergency room only to be to turned away with their children because they don’t have the proper equipment for younger patients.  

Calling ahead and explaining your child’s conditions may be helpful in determining whether you need to go to a place which is specifically pediatric urgent care.