Warning signs
Should I take my child to the emergency department?
The same checklist PediBot uses for its safety check, exactly as the emergency paediatricians publish it for parents. If in doubt, go.
Call the emergency number or go to the emergency department immediately if…
- SkinPoor colour: pallor, mottled skin, blue or greyish colour
- SkinSudden skin blotches, swollen lips or eyelids (suspected allergy) with breathing difficulty, vomiting or dizziness
- BehaviourNot responding to stimuli
- BehaviourExcessive irritability or drowsiness
- BehaviourAbnormal movements (seizure)
- BreathingSevere breathing difficulty: ribs pulling in, very fast breathing or pauses in breathing, drowsy
- BreathingChoking with breathing difficulty, or constant vomiting/drooling
- AccidentsDeep wound with heavy bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of pressure
- AccidentsOpen fracture (bone visible)
- AccidentsHead injury with loss of consciousness
Go to the emergency department if…
- SkinRed spots on the skin that do not fade when pressed
- SkinSudden skin blotches or swollen lips/eyelids without other symptoms
- FeverBaby under 3 months with fever (≥ 38 °C / 100.4 °F)
- FeverFever together with any of the skin, behaviour or breathing signs above
- FeverFever above 40.5 °C (105 °F)
- BehaviourDizziness, loss of strength
- BehaviourExpresses suicidal thoughts
- BreathingBreathing difficulty: ribs pulling in, fast breathing, wheezing
- Tummy and vomitingBaby under 1 month refusing feeds
- Tummy and vomitingPersistent vomiting or heavy, frequent diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, sunken eyes, little urine
- Tummy and vomitingRepeated vomiting with severe headache
- Tummy and vomitingSwallowed an object, especially batteries or magnets
- Tummy and vomitingSevere, continuous, worsening tummy pain
- Tummy and vomitingIngestion of toxic products or medication overdose
- AccidentsInjury with visible deformity
- AccidentsDeep wound that needs stitches
Not urgent: book an appointment with your paediatrician if…
- SkinSkin spots that fade when pressed
- FeverBaby aged 3–24 months with temperature above 39 °C and no warning signs
- FeverFever (above 38 °C) for more than 5 days
- BreathingCough or runny nose without breathing difficulty
- Tummy and vomitingVomiting and/or diarrhoea without warning signs
- Tummy and vomitingMild tummy pain that comes and goes
- OtherEarache for more than two days
- OtherRed eye or itchy eyes
SEUP (Spanish paediatric emergency doctors) — Should I go to the emergency department? Quick guide for parents. PDF
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