WHEN SHOULD YOU BRING YOUR CHILD TO THE ER?

The majority of children with viral illnesses for example can safely recover at home with rest & fluids, however some will need be assessed either by their GP/WIC (primary care) or urgent care (UPCC, ER).

The chronic overcrowding of emergency departments has reached a critical and acute level. This crisis is real, and it is happening now in ERs across BC. If you are unsure whether the emergency department is the right place to go, you should call 8-1-1 to get advice.

"If you’re concerned about your child, don’t hesitate to visit the ER in an emergency. You will be seen, you will be triaged, and we all need to be patient. It is important to get that care if you need it” -Dr. Bonnie Henry (BC's Provincial Health Officer)

urgent care is required for...

Young infants <3months with fever (38 degrees Celsius or higher)

Prolonged fever that lasts 5 days or longer OR if your child's fever goes away and comes back - this may indicate a possible secondary bacterial infection (may require antibiotics)

Child is working very hard to breathe (their noses are flaring, they're sucking in between their ribs or engaging their tummy muscles, or having pauses in breathing).

Call 911 right away if your child suddenly stops breathing and/or become unresponsive.

Child faints (or nearly faints) with standing or they're too sleepy or they won't wake up: call 911

Child has a bluish or purplish discoloration to skin or lips, or appears extremely pale or grey

Significant chest pain associated with an upper respiratory infection

Child is very sleepy, confused or delirious even when their fever is down

Headache with a stiff neck and fever

Child isn't drinking enough or can't keep down fluids and/or has minimal urine output in 24h

Child is unable to swallow saliva, drooling or unable to open their mouth widely with severe sore throat (different from pain during swallowing)