Seeing your child sick or injured is nerve-racking – and your first reaction might be to run to the emergency room. But, it’s important to stay calm, look at the symptoms and their severity, then make your decision about whether you should go to urgent care or the emergency room.
What’s the Difference Between Urgent Care and the Emergency Room?
Your primary doctor is the best person to see if you’re sick or hurt because they know your health history. But, if you need to see a physician immediately and the doctor’s office is closed, urgent care is the next best option. Urgent care can offer immediate evaluation and treatment for a variety of conditions, including:
- Minor injuries and lacerations
- Eye irritations
- Minor fractures
- UTIs
- Low-grade fever
- Flu
- Sore throat
- Skin rashes and infections
- Upper respiratory infections
Most urgent care centers are open after normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. A lot also offer on-site diagnostic tests.
When is the Emergency Room the Best Option?
A trip to the emergency room is the best place for treating severe and life-threatening conditions, such as:
- Deep cuts that are bleeding excessively
- Severe bone fractures
- Pregnancy problems
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Severe burns
- Seizures
- Severe abdominal pain
- Abnormally high fever
- Chest pain that is out of the ordinary
They have the widest range of services for emergency after-hours care, including diagnostic tests and access to specialists.
The most important thing is to think rationally and use your best judgement when it comes to deciding when to get care.
Call our office at (908) 508-0400 if you’re unsure of which situations to go to the ER
Tags: child emergencies, emergency room, pediatric ER, urgent care