Paediatric Emergencies
A seriously unwell child looks different from a seriously unwell adult and deteriorates faster. The emergency department is set up for that: equipment sized for children, doses calculated by weight, and a paediatrician available at any hour rather than an adult team improvising.
- Paediatrician on call at all hours
- Equipment sized for children
- Doses calculated by weight
- A parent stays throughout
Stay
Assessment, then discharge or admission
Duration
Assessed on arrival
Anaesthesia
As required
About Paediatric Emergencies
Children compensate for illness well and then fail suddenly, so assessment concentrates on breathing effort, circulation and alertness rather than the temperature reading. Most children who attend are treated and go home the same day. The purpose of the assessment is to identify the small number who need admission before they look obviously unwell.
- Children compensate well and then deteriorate suddenly
- Breathing effort and alertness matter more than the temperature
- Doses are calculated from weight every time
- A parent stays with the child, including during most procedures
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about paediatric emergencies. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest paediatric emergencies.
- Difficulty or fast breathing in a child
- A drowsy child, or one difficult to wake
- A child who will not drink or is passing much less urine
- A rash that does not fade under pressure
- Fever in a baby under three months
- Seizures
- Injury, burns or a swallowed object
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Assessment on arrival
Breathing, circulation and alertness are checked immediately. Children are seen by how unwell they are rather than arrival order.
Examination
A full examination by staff used to examining children, with a parent present throughout.
Treatment
Fluids, oxygen, nebulisers or medication as needed, at doses calculated for the child's weight.
Decision
Most children go home with clear instructions. Those needing observation are admitted to the children's ward in the same building.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Come immediately, there is nothing to prepare
- Bring the immunisation card and any regular medication
- Note when symptoms started, temperatures recorded and medicine already given
- Bring a comforter or favourite toy if there is time
- Call 108 for a seriously unwell child rather than driving
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Most children improve within a day or two
- Follow the specific warning signs given rather than general worry
- Complete any prescribed course rather than stopping when the child seems better
- Return immediately if breathing becomes difficult or the child becomes drowsy
- A paediatric follow-up is arranged where needed
Why choose Humayun for a child emergency
Children need staff who examine children every day, and equipment made for them.
- A paediatrician on duty at all hours rather than an adult team covering children
- Paediatric resuscitation equipment and weight-based dosing as standard
- Children's ward, neonatal and paediatric intensive care in the same building
- Parents kept with the child, including during most procedures
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