Be Prepared for Summertime Spills
While kids are drawn to sunshine and fresh air, parents know outdoor fun can lead to bee stings, bruises, asthma attacks and sprains. When accidents do occur, Children's Hospital Colorado is here to help.
When a child is ill or injured, his primary care physician should be called first, unless the situation is life threatening — in which case, call 911 immediately.
“Parents should always be aware that they have control over where their children receive care,” said Cheryl Stiles, RN, clinical director of the emergency department at Children’s. “If your child’s condition is serious enough that he needs to be taken to the emergency department in an ambulance, parents can ask the driver to take him to Children's Hospital Colorado. We are prepared for every sized child and every situation — 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
When to visit urgent care
Minor illnesses and injuries that are not life threatening can be handled by Children’s Urgent Care facilities. These facilities are useful when your primary care physician is not available. Visit urgent care clinics for:
- Colds
- Ear infections
- Sore throats
- Minor burns
- Mild asthma
- Sprained or strained muscles
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Is it an emergency?
You should take your child to the emergency department if you have any questions about the severity of her illness or injury. Some examples of emergency situations are:
- Severe asthma attacks
- Concussions
- Dehydration
- Sudden, intense abdominal pain
- Seizures
- Cuts with excessive bleeding
- Fevers in infants younger than eight weeks old
Find a Children's Hospital Network of Care location close to you
