Emergency room or urgent care? How to get the appropriate care for your child
When your child is sick or injured, it can be difficult to know where to go next. If your child is in need of immediate care, Mary Bridge Children’s has you covered. Don’t know if you need to visit the emergency room or seek another option like urgent care or a virtual visit with your child’s pediatrician? Check out the symptom checker from Healthy Children and the information below.
Whether you opt for a virtual or in-person visit at Mary Bridge Children’s, most fevers, ear infections, coughs, rashes, allergies and minor injuries can be treated through urgent care. Appointments are required for both in-office urgent care and virtual urgent care visits.
Emergency Room or Urgent Care?
The difference between urgent care and the emergency room can be confusing. Here’s a helpful guide to make sure your child gets the right care at the right time.
Urgent Care
Urgent Care is for illnesses or injuries that are not immediately life threatening, but need to be treated today.
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Earaches
- Minor burns
- Simple wounds
- Minor head injuries
- Sprains
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mild dehydration
- Pediatric Virtual Care
Emergency Room
The emergency room is for any medical condition or injury that threatens life or limb. It’s the best option when immediate medical care is needed.
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe burns or skin infections
- Sudden vision changes
- High fever with headache
- Fast heartbeat that doesn’t slow
- Severe dehydration
- Persistent dizziness
Find a Mary Bridge Children’s clinic near you or call 253-403-1400.