When to Get Medical Help for Your Child

Watching your child fall ill or get hurt is every parent’s nightmare, but knowing when to get medical help for your child can make all the difference. This article walks you through warning signs to watch for, where to seek care, and how to prepare in advance. Empower yourself with knowledge so you can act swiftly when it matters most.

At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, TX, we have experience treating children of all ages. Parents are welcome to contact us anytime with concerns through a phone call or an in-person appointment. Your child’s health and your peace of mind are our priority.

Signs You Need to Seek Medical Care for Your Child

When your child is sick or injured, knowing when to get medical help for your child can be life-saving. It’s important to recognize the difference between symptoms that can wait for a scheduled doctor’s visit and those that require urgent or emergency care.

Call 911 Immediately for These Life-Threatening Emergencies

If your child’s condition is critical and you cannot safely transport them, call 911 so the emergency team can come to you right away. These situations demand an immediate response:

Choking, stopped breathing, or turning blue.
Possible poisoning with loss of consciousness. You should also call the nearest poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 and be ready to alert the emergency room of your suspicion. Bring the bottle or container as it is so an estimate can be made about quantity ingested.
Head injury with passing out, vomiting, or not acting normally.
Injury to the neck or spine.
Severe burn.
Seizure lasting more than 3–5 minutes.
Bleeding that will not stop, even with pressure.

Go to the Emergency Department or Call 911 for Serious Conditions

Some issues may not require a home response team but still need emergency room care. If you see any of the following, take your child to the emergency department or call for help:

Trouble breathing, passing out, or fainting
Severe allergic reaction with swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing
High fever with stiff neck, headache, or a soft spot that’s sunken
Child is too sleepy, hard to wake, or suddenly confused
Sudden inability to speak, see, walk, or move normally
Heavy bleeding that you cannot stop, deep wounds, or serious burns
Vomiting or coughing up blood in a child that is lethargic or ill appearing
Possible broken bone, especially if there’s a deformity or bone pushing through the skin
Limb near the injury is numb, tingling, pale, or cold
Chest pain, fast heartbeat, or an unusual headache that does not resolve with rest or is accompanied by loss of consciousness

When to Call to Come to the Office or Perhaps Urgent Care

If the problem isn’t life-threatening or risking disability, but you’re concerned, remember we offer same day sick visits, and we have office hours on saturday mornings as well.

If it is afterhours, there are several high quality pediatric urgent care clinics in town. And if you feel your child cannot wait until the office is next open, they can also be a useful resource.

Common conditions treated in our office, or treatment started in our office:

Common acute illnesses: Cold and flu season viruses, sore throats, minor headaches, earaches, low-grade fevers, and most rashes, vomiting, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues, respiratory issues without severe distress, pain with urination or other concern for urinary tract infection. Remember our phones are answered 24/7 and we can always help you decide if your child needs to be seen and where.
Minor injuries: Sprains, minor cuts, minor burns, minor eye injuries, and bruises, pain after a fall without obvious limb deformity.

At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates, we work closely with families and local urgent care providers to ensure your child gets the care they need quickly and safely. When your child is experiencing a non-emergency medical problem and you can’t wait, you can always reach out to your child’s doctor for initial guidance.

When in Doubt, Call

If you are unsure about the severity of your child’s symptoms, then make one of the following calls:

For medical emergencies, call 911 immediately
For all ingestions call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 and follow their instructions regarding next steps
If you’re in doubt, call your child’s doctor for advice

How to Prepare Beforehand

Being ready makes emergencies less overwhelming:

Know your child’s medical history, including allergies and chronic conditions.
Keep your health insurance company info, policy numbers, and coverage details handy.
Save emergency numbers like your child’s doctor, nearest poison control center, and the hospital in your phone.
Keep a basic home kit with hand sanitizer, bandages, basic antibiotics (as prescribed), and a thermometer.
During flu season, ensure your child gets their flu shot and stays updated on other vaccines to reduce their risk. Those with weak immune systems or chronic health issues are at higher risk, so proactive care is crucial.

Your Child’s Health Matters—We're Here When You Need Us

At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates, our experienced team aims to guide parents through every phase of care. From routine visits to urgent concerns, we’re here to support your family. To schedule a doctor’s visit, ask questions, or update vaccines, reach out to us today.

If your child is showing warning signs or you’re unsure whether to stay home or seek medical attention, don’t hesitate. Your child’s well-being is always worth the call. Contact Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, TX now.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patti Savrick

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Sources

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-to-bring-your-child-to-the-emergency-department