Pediatric Emergency Department - Helpful Hints for Parents

What you can do to help your child

You are the best person to help your child feel comfortable and safe. Although it may be difficult at times, reassure your child by staying calm.

• Give frequent hugs, and distract your child with stories, pictures or books.


• Be patient with your child.


• Help your child understand what is happening.


• Be honest to your child about what he or she can expect.


• Use age appropriate language that is easy to understand.


• Allow your child to talk about worries or feelings.


• Remind you child that it’s okay to feel worried or cry, but help them talk about their feelings.


• Listen to your child and help them understand that their feelings are normal and reassure them that they have done nothing wrong.


• Help your child see hospital staff as helpers.


• Remind your child that the staff has a lot of experience helping children feel better.


• Ask questions and encourage your child to ask questions so they can participate in their health care.

Tips for a Child's Medical Emergency

Remember for life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

If an emergency arises, parents can help take the anxiety out of a hospital visit by planning ahead.

• For non-life threatening emergencies, try contacting your own physician first.


• Treat your child with pain relief or wound care before heading to the ER.


• Try to leave siblings at home.


• Bring your child’s medical history including doctor contact information, vaccinations and medications.


• Follow discharge instructions from the ED and follow up with your pediatrician if needed.