When Your Child Falls, Knowing When to Visit the ER is Critical

Being a parent is never a dull moment. Falls are virtually inevitable if your child enjoys jumping on furniture, climbing high in trees, or is just highly active. But when a fall occurs, how do you know if you should call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the emergency room (ER)? This is a common dilemma for many parents, and it’s essential to understand the signs that indicate the level of care your child may need after a fall.

First and foremost, when your child takes a fall, it is important to try your best to remain calm. Take a deep breath and then assess them. What approximate height did they fall from? What body part hit the ground? Remember your ABCs, which stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Is anything blocking their airway? Are they breathing? Do they have a pulse (circulation)? If the answer is yes to all of the above, that is great news. If not, call 911 immediately.

You should also have them seen at the ER if they experience any of the following after a fall:

– Severe head injury

– Unconsciousness

– Excessive bleeding that won’t stop

– Severe difficulty breathing

– Persistent seizure

Other symptoms that may warrant getting your child evaluated include:

– Loss of consciousness, even if brief

– Seizures

– Vomiting

– Severe headache

– Confusion or disorientation

– Slurred speech or saying things that don’t make sense

Depending on the fall, imaging may be necessary to rule out intracranial bleeding or a fractured skull. A concussion could also occur. In such cases, contacting your child’s pediatrician can be helpful as they can help guide you in what next steps you should take.

If they hit their head, check for head injuries and dental injuries. Just as a head injury requires fast action, so do dental emergencies. For example, if a tooth is knocked out, it can be replaced if you act quickly.

Visiting your child’s pediatrician may be appropriate if the fall results in a minor injury, such as a bruise, minor cut, or small bump. If the injury occurs after hours, urgent care centers can provide timely medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries without the long wait times typically associated with emergency rooms. If you’re unsure, call our nurse advice line for a recommendation on where your child should be seen.

The decision to visit the emergency room, urgent care, or pediatrician after a child’s fall depends on the severity of the injury and the symptoms experienced. It’s always better to err on the side of caution regarding your child’s health. If in doubt, seeking medical advice from a healthcare professional is the best action. Give us a call, and our team will help guide you.