Preparing Your Child for the ERRockport, TX

When to Go to a 24 Hour Emergency Room

Bumps, bruises, illnesses, and mishaps are part of life. Everyone will experience these to one degree or another throughout life. Many incidents will require little medical intervention, but the most serious conditions call for a visit to a 24-hour emergency room. Patients should take children to this department when there is severe bleeding, when the child has a temperature over 102 degrees, when the child is having a hard time breathing, or when there is a severe burn. Before going to an ER, you should walk your child comfort your child by doing the following.

Speak positively

Parents should use positive wording when preparing children in advance for a visit to the 24-hour emergency room. The critical aspect here is being attentive to their emotions since how a one says something can be more significant than what is said. For instance, a study published by the Society for Research in Child Development found improved emotional regulation with positive expression by a parent. Talking to your child about how a doctor's role is to make them feel better can set a positive tone. Parents can positively enforce trust in the doctor by mentioning that they have been trained in helping others through years of medical school.

Reassure the child

Getting sick or hurt can be frightening for a young patient. A visit to the hospital can be stressful for any child. Parents should reinforce the idea that doctors and nurses have a child's well-being in mind. The pain and discomfort the child is feeling do not have to persist.

Relate experiences

If a parent has spent time in a 24-hour emergency room for their own needs, it may be helpful to share those memories. The parent can talk about why they went to the hospital and how the staff there provided relief.

Do not lie

Parents should not mislead children and make them think the 24-hour emergency room can solve any problem with ease. If the child asks questions about the procedures, the parent should be open. Do not lie and say there will not be any pain. Instead, acknowledge that it can be scary to have to go to the hospital, but the staff will work hard to help the child get well.

Talk to the pediatrician

Children can feel more comfortable at the hospital when there is a good relationship with the pediatrician. This doctor can explain what happens in the emergency room. If the child feels positive about this doctor, there is a good chance the young patient will have a more positive experience at the ER. If you take your child to the emergency room, they may refer your child out to a pediatrician for follow up care.

Stay calm

If something happens where a parent knows it is time to go to the 24-hour emergency room with the child, the parent needs to keep emotions in check. If a parent panics, the child likely will too. Keep a level head and calm demeanor as much as possible.