When to Seek Emergency Care

Critical guidelines for recognizing emergency situations and knowing when to seek immediate medical attention.

Emergency Warning Signs

Immediate Emergency (Call 911)

  • • Difficulty breathing or turning blue
  • • Unresponsiveness or seizures
  • • Bleeding that won't stop
  • • Severe injury or fall
  • • Signs of extreme pain

Urgent Medical Care Needed

  • • Persistent high fever
  • • Severe vomiting or diarrhea
  • • Signs of dehydration
  • • Unusual rash with fever
  • • Persistent crying

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Emergency Care Guidelines, 2023

Temperature Guide

When to Seek Care by Age

0-3 Months

Any temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher requires immediate medical attention

3-6 Months

Temperature above 102°F (39°C) or low temperature below 97°F (36.1°C)

6-12 Months

Temperature above 103°F (39.4°C) or if fever persists more than 24 hours

Source: Mayo Clinic Pediatric Fever Guidelines, 2023

Dehydration Symptoms

Early Signs

  • • Fewer wet diapers than usual
  • • No tears when crying
  • • Dry mouth and lips
  • • Decreased activity

Severe Signs (Seek Care Immediately)

  • • Sunken soft spot on head
  • • Rapid breathing or heart rate
  • • Very cold or mottled hands/feet
  • • Lethargy or unresponsiveness

Source: WHO Guidelines on Dehydration in Infants, 2023

Urgent Care vs Emergency Room

Visit Urgent Care For

  • • Minor cuts or burns
  • • Ear infections
  • • Low-grade fever
  • • Mild dehydration
  • • Common cold symptoms

Go to ER For

  • • Difficulty breathing
  • • Severe injuries
  • • High fever in young infants
  • • Seizures
  • • Loss of consciousness

References & Research

Academic Sources

  • • American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Clinical Report—Fever and Antipyretic Use in Children.
  • • World Health Organization. (2023). Integrated Management of Childhood Illness.

Clinical Research

  • • Pediatric Emergency Care. (2023). "Assessment of Dehydration in Children."
  • • Journal of Emergency Medicine. (2023). "Pediatric Emergency Department Utilization."

Additional Resources

  • • CDC Emergency Preparedness Guide
  • • Mayo Clinic Symptom Checker
  • • HealthyChildren.org Emergency Care Guide