Keeping Your Kids Out of the Emergency Room

According to a CDC report, 21.7% of children aged 0-6 and 14.5% of kids aged 6-17 visited the ER in 2015. The reasons for which a child may end up in a emergency room in Bryan, TX varies, from viral infections or dehydration to injuries.

Realizing that your kid is sick and needs specialized care can be terrifying. The entire experience can be daunting both for the parents and the child. Thankfully, adults can take a few extra precautions to ensure their child’s safety and prevent a trip to the emergency room.

1. Childproof the Home

A lot of children require medical attention after sustaining an injury right in their home. Sharp edges, for instance, are a common safety hazard. One simple solution to protect your kid from getting hurt or injured would be to place a plastic guard on the sides.

Toy-related injuries, such as lacerations, contusions, and ingestion are also extremely common. Parents should always supervise their children during playtime.

2. Wear the Gear

Protective equipment can save your children some pain and it can save their lives. Insist that they wear the proper safety gear and that it fits properly and is properly maintained. Be sure coaches require that protective equipment is worn at all times.

3. Assume the Risk

Remember to tell this to your children before they run off to play. While they’re still growing and developing, coordination and reaction times are not yet up to speed with that of an older child or adult. Kids mature physically at different rates and younger children (under 8 years old) are particularly susceptible to injury. When your kids are knocking around with pals of varying ages and sizes (or even you), the potential for injury increases considerably.

Accidents are inevitable. When that happens, you need to make sure that the facility you chose for treating your child can provide them with the care they need. At Physicians Premier, your Bryan, TX emergency room, you can be assured that your little one is in good hands.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus16.pdf#073
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db160.htm
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/articles-and-answers/wellbeing/urgent-care-versus-the-er-a-pediatrician-offers-tips-on-making-the-right-choice
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/best-childrens-hospitals/slideshows/top-reasons-children-end-up-in-the-hospital