When to Call 911 for Your Child: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
As a parent or caregiver, you are your child’s first line of defense when it comes to health and safety. Sometimes, it can be hard to know whether a situation calls for emergency medical help. Here are key signs that may require you to call 911 immediately:
1. Difficulty Breathing or Severe Shortness of Breath
- Rapid breathing, gasping, or struggling to catch their breath.
- Wheezing or a high-pitched sound when breathing.
- Lips or face turning blue.
2. Uncontrolled or Severe Bleeding
- Heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure.
- Blood spurting out of a wound.
3. Loss of Consciousness or Seizures
- If your child is unconscious or unable to be awakened.
- Seizures that last longer than 5 minutes or multiple seizures without regaining consciousness.
4. Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
- Swelling of the face, mouth, or throat.
- Difficulty breathing, hives, or severe dizziness.
- Vomiting or loss of consciousness after a known allergen exposure.
5. Sudden, Severe Pain
- Intense pain that comes on suddenly, especially if it is associated with chest pain or abdominal pain.
- Severe headaches that cause vomiting or dizziness.
6. Head Injury or Concussion
- A hard fall, blow to the head, or signs of a concussion such as confusion, vomiting, or severe drowsiness.
- Unusual behavior or difficulty waking up after a head injury.
7. Extreme Burns or Serious Wounds
- Burns covering a large area of skin, or severe burns on the face, hands, or feet.
- Deep or large cuts that cannot be controlled with pressure.
8. Sudden High Fever (Especially in Infants)
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) in a newborn or infant under 3 months old.
- A fever that won’t go down after medication or lasts for more than a few days.
9. Difficulty Moving or Paralysis
- Inability to move limbs or one side of the body after a fall or injury.
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs.
10. Suspected Poisoning or Overdose
- If you believe your child has ingested something harmful (medication, household products, or food).
- Signs of overdose such as drowsiness, confusion, or abnormal behavior.
When in Doubt, Call 911
- If you are unsure about the severity of your child’s condition, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
- Don’t wait—calling for help can save precious time.
Remember: Paramedics are trained to assess situations quickly and provide life-saving care on the way to the hospital. It’s always better to get help early than wait until the situation worsens.
Stay safe and trust your instincts as a parent—your child’s health and safety are always a priority!