Taking your child to the emergency room (ER) can be a frightening and traumatic experience for both of you. However, there are some things you can do to help make your child’s trip to the emergency room as stress-free as possible.

With over 30 years of experience working in emergency rooms across the country, the team at NW Indiana ER & Hospital has seen many parents who — when under pressure — do not know their child as well as they believe. An accident or unexpected sickness often magnifies a parent’s panic and anxiety levels, making it more difficult to recollect vital information for the medical staff in an emergency room in Hammond, Indiana.

Below, this emergency care facility in Hammond, Indiana is going to discuss five tips for parents to keep in mind when bringing their child to the ER.

1. Use a 3×5 card to make a list of all the medications that your child uses daily, as well as any allergies they have, and always carry this card in your wallet. The medical staff will need this information, as your child’s medical records from their family doctor may not be accessible outside of office hours. Having this information could save your child from getting medication that could trigger a severe allergic reaction. Remember to include any food allergies and over-the-counter medicines your child takes regularly in that list.

2. Maintain an up-to-date vaccination record for your child. You can use the same 3×5 card and note the vaccinations on the back, or you can keep their shot record (usually a small card) in your wallet as well. When visiting an emergency room in Hammond, Indiana, some parents bring a three-ring binder with a clear pocket folder with them — this is especially helpful if the child has an extensive medical history.

3. Find out what your child’s approximate weight is. Also, inform the medical team whether your child has recently lost or gained weight. These can be indicators of certain illnesses that can help the team determine the severity of what is going on with this emergency room visit.

4. Know when your child last ate or drank something. This information may seem inconsequential, but it will matter if your child is suffering from an illness or injury that requires an emergency surgery. For example, if your child has just had a full meal, surgery for a fractured bone may need to be delayed by a couple of hours. Surgeons that work in emergency care facilities in Hammond, Indiana typically wait at least four hours after a child has eaten before admitting them to the operating room.

5. When visiting an emergency room in Hammond, Indiana, you may need to discuss your child’s medical/surgical history. Because some children have a long medical history, a documented list is helpful for the medical team at the ER. Even if your child is in good health, a list of normal childhood ailments could be useful. The medical staff may ask if your child has had chickenpox or mumps, or if they have a chronic condition. Even minor procedures, such as ear tubes or tonsil excision, should be documented. All this information will be helpful when the medical team is trying to make a diagnosis.

Looking for the Premier Emergency Care Facility in Hammond, Indiana?

Emergencies are unpredictable — the best you can do is be prepared by following the tips mentioned above. If you have any further questions about what you can expect during your visit to an emergency room in Hammond, Indiana, please do not hesitate to contact NW Indiana ER & Hospital at (219) 554-9911 or fill out an online form to get in touch with one of our representatives.