Child Health Emergencies

Signs that need your attention 

Many emergencies involve sudden injuries caused by bicycle or car crashes, falls, burns, nonfatal drowning (submersion injury), electric shocks, or poisoning.

Remain calm and call 911 if your child:

• Is unconscious, fainting, or not responsive when spoken to.

• Is choking.

• Has rhythmic jerking and loss of consciousness.

• Has trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or is not able to speak more than 2 or 3 words.

• Has skin or lips that look blue, purple, or gray.

• Is vomiting blood.

• Has increasing or severe lasting pain.

• Has bleeding that will not stop or a cut that’s large, deep, or involves the head, chest, or belly.

• Has neck stiffness or a rash with fever.

• Has severe bleeding or head trauma.

• Has a burn that’s large or involves the hands, feet, groin, chest, or face.

• Has a change in mental status like suddenly becoming unusually sleepy or confused.

• Has a rapid heartbeat that doesn’t slow down.

• Shows confusion or strange, withdrawn, and less alert behavior.

• Swallows a poisonous substance (see below for the Poison Control Center contact information).

Steps to take

If the condition is life-threatening and you need emergency help:

• Call 911 or your local emergency number.

• Start CPR, if your child is not breathing or doesn't have a pulse.

• Call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 if your child has swallowed a medicine or poison and is breathing and has a pulse. Do not delay or interrupt CPR to call poison control if your child is not breathing or does not have a pulse. Call poison control even if your child does not have any symptoms.

If the condition is not life-threatening, you have time to first contact your child's doctor. They will be able to tell you what type of care is best for your situation. If you are not sure if the condition is life-threatening, call 911.