Children can get into all sorts of trouble. They are curious, smart, and sometimes a little stubborn. If something attracts their attention, they will try various ways to get to it, inside it, on top of it, or taste it. As a result, children are often brought to a medical facility with bumps, bruises and minor cuts. For parents, how do you know when a situation needs the emergency room, or if pediatric urgent care in El Cajon is a better option for your little one?
My Kid has a Boo-Boo! Where Do I Take Him?
Many parents will panic every time junior takes a tumble, especially first-time moms and dads, and they might think the best course of action for a bleeding cut is the emergency room. But did you know you may be spending up to ten times longer in the ER than you would have in urgent care? They have to work with a lot of patients, not just children, so you may be spending most of your time sitting in the waiting room. Primary care physicians at urgent care offices are experienced with treating:
- Minor cuts, including most that need stitches
- Potential broken bones or simple fractures from a fall
- Strains, sprains and other minor muscle or tendon damage
- Fever, vomiting, diarrhea or severe sore throat
- Ear infection or eye infection
Emergency rooms, on the other hand, are just that – for emergencies. If your child complains of chest pain or a squeezing feeling in the chest, has severe stomach pain, is bleeding uncontrollably, has any loss of consciousness, or starts to slur his or her speech this would be the best time to visit a hospital’s ER.
Urgent Care can be Fun!
Ok, so this part might be a stretch since doctors can sometimes be scary for kids – but pediatric urgent care centers such as the Children’s Physicians Medical Group are dedicated to the health and well-being of your kids. As a result, they provide a lot of comfort items for the youngsters who need to visit for whatever reason. Fun pictures on the walls, friendly staff, colorful Band-Aids and bandages, and maybe even a sticker or a piece of candy for a job well done! Even though the reason for visiting an urgent care center might not be the most amusing, at least parents can rest easy knowing their children are in great hands.
