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Pediatric Emergency Care

Back To Emergency

Nothing is more stressful than seeing your child in pain or facing a sudden medical emergency. At Banner Health, we understand how different it feels when the patient is your child. 

Our pediatric emergency departments (ED) do more than treat illnesses and injuries. We ease fear and give families peace of mind. Our pediatric-prepared EDs provide expert care 24/7 for the tiniest infants to teenagers. 

When to take your child to the ED

It can be hard to know whether your child’s symptoms require emergency care. Trust your instinct. If your child seems seriously unwell, don’t wait or think too much, just act and call 911. 

While this is not a complete list, here are some common examples of when it is important to immediately take your child to the emergency department:

  • Trouble breathing or bluish lips or skin
  • A fever of 100.4°F or higher in an infant younger than 2 months old
  • Fever associated with a stiff neck and headache
  • A seizure or loss of consciousness (unconscious or unresponsive)
  • Head injury associated with vomiting, change in behavior or a seizure
  • A deep cut or severe burn, especially on the hands or face
  • Vomiting or diarrhea leading to dehydration (dry mouth, sleepiness, etc)
  • Bleeding that is not controlled by holding pressure 
  • A bone or joint injury that is visibly deformed, unable to move normally or affects ability to stand or walk 
  • Severe allergic reaction with swelling or trouble breathing
  • Signs of dehydration (very few wet diapers, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
  • Extreme sleepiness, irritability or unusual behavior
  • Any ingestion of a poisonous substance or too much medicine (drug overdose); swallowed button batteries can be especially dangerous 
  • Serious psychiatric concerns, such as talking about wanting to hurt themselves or others, or acting in a way that makes you fear for their safety
  • Abdominal pain that makes it hard to walk or change positions and is steadily worsening or is associated with a fever

When in doubt, it’s always safer to get your child checked by emergency specialists. 

Learn more about when to go to the ED.

Banner’s pediatric-prepared emergency network

Not every emergency department is equally equipped to care for children. Banner Health has taken extra steps to prepare for pediatric emergencies and operates highly comprehensive pediatric emergency networks throughout the region. 

We are proud to have over 10 Certified Pediatric-Prepared ERs, recognized by the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP). This certification means our teams meet the highest standards for pediatric readiness, with training, tools and systems needed to treat children safely and effectively. 

Certified pediatric-prepared ED locations include:

No matter where you go, you can feel confident your child will be seen quickly and cared for by a pediatric-trained emergency team.

What makes our pediatric EDs different

Children aren’t just smaller versions of adults. They need different tools, different approaches and different kinds of support. That’s why Banner Health’s pediatric emergency departments are designed around the unique needs of children and families.

We offer:

  • Age-appropriate care: Our teams consider your child’s age and stage of development when planning care.
  • Kid-sized tools: From gowns and IVs to airway equipment and furniture, everything is made to fit children safely and comfortably.
  • Child-friendly spaces: Calming décor and kid-centered design to reduce noise and stress for children.
  • Special training: Every member of our team is specially trained to manage the full range of childhood emergencies, from minor injuries to complex conditions.
  • Comprehensive services: Each pediatric ED offers complete emergency medical services, with access to lab tests and scans as well as pediatric specialists across many fields.

Supporting children and families

At Banner Health, we care for the whole family, with:

  • Child life specialists: Use play, distraction and age-appropriate explanations to help children cope during treatment. Siblings can receive separate support so the whole family feels cared for.
  • Family-centered care: Parents are encouraged to stay by their child’s side whenever possible.
  • Supportive services: We offer interpreter assistance for families who prefer communication in another language.

Why pediatric readiness matters

Research shows that children have better outcomes when treated in EDs prepared for pediatric care. National studies show that EDs prepared for children can:

  • Reduce child deaths from injuries by up to 60%
  • Reduce deaths from illness by up to 76%

The first 24 hours of care after an emergency are critical. That’s why it’s important to choose an ED that has pediatric-trained staff and equipment.

Banner Health participates in pediatric readiness programs and continuously trains our teams to provide the highest level of care. When your child needs help, we’re ready.

Prepare for pediatric emergencies

No parent wants to think about emergencies. But having a plan can make a scary time easier. A family emergency plan helps ensure you can act quickly if your child needs emergency care. 

Here are a few ways to prepare:

  • Know your nearest pediatric EDs and how to get there.
  • Create a family contact list so you can reach loved ones quickly.
  • Keep health records handy, including your child’s medications, dosages, allergies and shot records. 
  • Assemble a “go bag” with essentials like phone chargers, comfort items, snacks and copies of insurance cards and IDs.

But remember: In a real emergency, don’t worry about what to bring, just come to the ED because every minute matters!  

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