How to Prepare Your Child for an Emergency Room Visit

Simple Steps Parents Can Take to Make ER Visits Less Stressful for Their Little Ones

No parent wants to imagine taking their child to the emergency room. But accidents and sudden illnesses can happen at any time. Being prepared can make the experience less frightening for both you and your child.

From sudden fevers to unexpected falls, young children often need immediate medical attention, and the ER can provide the quickest care they need. Emergency rooms see thousands of children every year, sometimes not just for minor injuries but for more serious medical concerns. A visit to the emergency room may also be necessary for a sibling or parent, which can still be frightening for your child.

Tips to Prepare Your Child For the ER

1. Stay calm during emergencies.

Children often mirror their parents’ emotions. If you remain calm, your child is more likely to feel safe. Take a few deep breaths and reassure them that doctors and nurses are there to help. Also, having age-appropriate conversations about the ER before a visit is needed can reduce fear and help your child feel more comfortable.

2. Plan ahead.

Knowing where to take your child for care helps you act quickly and reduces stress in an emergency situation. Keep emergency numbers handy, including 911, and your neighborhood ER and hospital: 903-838-8000. Also, having a pediatric emergency information sheet with key medical details can make the process smoother. This can include:

• Full name and date of birth
• Known allergies
• Current medications and dosages
• Medical history
• Name and contact info for your child’s primary care doctor
• Insurance information

3. Bring their favorite comfort item.

A stuffed animal, favorite book, or blanket can be a welcome distraction during an ER visit and help your child feel safer.

Why Parents Choose Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital During an Emergency

At Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital, our dedicated emergency team specializes in pediatric care with little to no wait times. Our comfortable, private rooms are designed with your child in mind, featuring popular cartoon characters and bright colors to help them feel more at home. In addition, our on-site laboratory and imaging services allow for rapid testing and results all in one place. We are committed to compassionate care to help you and your loved ones recover quickly and return to normal daily activities.

Open 24/7, we provide the care you and your loved ones deserve whenever an emergency arises.

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.