knowing when and who to call

pediatric emergencies

When something is wrong with your child, fear can make it hard to think clearly. At Associates in Pediatrics, we want you to have the information you need – before an emergency happens – so that when the moment comes, you can act quickly and confidently. Below is a clear guide to help you understand when to call 911, when to call our office, and when to head to the emergency room.

Call 911 Immediately For Major Emergencies

These situations require immediate emergency medical services. Do not call the pediatrician first — call 911:

 

  • Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
  • Severe bleeding that cannot be controlled
  • Seizure activity, especially if it is your child’s first seizure
  • Suspected major bone fractures or severe trauma
  • Suspected poisoning or overdose
  • Severe difficulty breathing or choking
  • Suspected cardiac emergency

Call Our Office First For Minor Emergencies

WE’LL HELP YOU DETERMINE WHAT’S NEXT

For situations that are concerning but do not appear immediately life-threatening, call Associates in Pediatrics first. Our team can assess your child’s situation and direct you to the right level of care – often faster and more accurately than going directly to an emergency room.

These situations warrant a call to our office:

 

  • Lacerations and cuts that may need stitches
  • Minor fractures or suspected sprains
  • A fall or bump with no loss of consciousness
  • A sudden, dramatic change in your child’s behavior
  • High fever with no other emergency symptoms
  • Rashes or allergic reactions that are not affecting breathing

Trust Your Parental Instincts

You know your child better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, even if you can’t put your finger on exactly what it is, trust that instinct. That feeling is meaningful. Call us, describe what you’re observing, and let our team help you determine the next step.

We would always rather hear from you than have you wait and wonder.

    pediatric emergencies

    frequently asked questions

    What should I do if my child has a seizure?

    Call 911 immediately for any seizure, especially a first-time seizure. While waiting for help: lay your child on their side, clear the area of hard objects, do not put anything in their mouth, and note the time the seizure started. If your child has a known seizure disorder with a physician-approved action plan, follow that plan.

    When should I go to the ER vs. urgent care?

    The emergency room is appropriate for life-threatening or serious conditions: severe breathing difficulty, major injuries, altered consciousness, or high fevers in very young infants. Urgent care is appropriate for non-life-threatening issues when your pediatrician is unavailable. When in doubt, call us – we’ll help you decide.

    My child took a hard hit to the head. What should I do?

    Call us immediately. Signs of a concussion include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, vision changes, or unusual behavior after a head impact. Any loss of consciousness warrants a 911 call. Do not let your child return to activity until they’ve been evaluated.

    When should I call the pediatrician first?

    Call us first for minor injuries, concerning symptoms, or any situation where you’re unsure what to do. We’ll help direct you to the right care.

    Not Sure What To Do?

    WE’RE HERE TO HELP

    When your child is sick or injured, it can be difficult to know whether they need emergency care or a same-day visit with their pediatrician. Our experienced pediatric providers are here to help you make the right decision and provide guidance when you need it most.

    If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. For urgent concerns that are not life-threatening, contact Associates in Pediatrics to speak with our team or schedule a same-day sick visit when available.

    View Our Locations

    Caring for northern Illinois families for over 40 years

    Call for Appointments

    847.742.6888

    Office Hours

    Monday - Friday: 8 am - 5 pm
    (Closed for lunch 12 - 1:30pm)

    Saturday: 8 am - 12 pm

    Sunday: Closed

    ELGIN SUMMIT STREET

    1015 Summit St
    Elgin, IL 60120

    ELGIN RANDALL ROAD

    1530 N Randall Rd.
    Elgin, IL 60123

    STREAMWOOD

    1020 E Schaumburg Rd. Streamwood, IL 60107

    ALGONQUIN

    2971 Algonquin Rd. Ste 105
    Algonquin, IL 60102

    AFTER HOURS

    Call 847.742.6888 to reach our answering service. A provider will be paged to assist you. A $25 after-hours fee applies.

    For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.