Top tips for trips to the emergency room

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

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Health

Nobody wants to take their baby to the emergency room, but it's a fact of life at some point.

Dr. Nick Jouriles, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, says being prepared can make a stressful situation much better. Here's how:

Plan ahead. Where is the closest emergency department? How would you get there in an emergency?
Bring their medications, immunization records, medical records and contact information for doctors who may have treated them.
Have a list of any allergies they may have.
Don't let your baby eat or drink anything.
Bring a bag in case they are admitted. This bag should include a change of clothes, pajamas and favorites objects such as a small toy, a favorite blanket, a book or stuffed animal.
If someone is watching your child, make certain they have a consent form in the event of an emergency. You can download one here from EmergencyCareforYou.org.
Stay calm. Don't add stress to an already stressful situation.

Source: American College of Emergency Physicians

This article appeared in the 2009 Fall edition of Chicago Baby.