Pediatric Emergency & Critical Care

Children can become seriously ill quickly, and they need doctors and nurses who understand how child emergencies differ from adult ones. Pediatric emergency and critical care focuses on rapid assessment, immediate stabilisation and continued monitoring for children who are very unwell.

Situations that need emergency care

• Difficulty in breathing, fast breathing or bluish lips
• Seizures or fits, or sudden loss of consciousness
• Severe dehydration from vomiting or loose motions
• High fever with lethargy, stiff neck or rash
• Severe asthma attacks or allergic reactions
• Poisoning, accidental ingestion or burns
• Injuries, falls and suspected fractures
• Refusal to feed or unusual drowsiness in a young infant

How emergency care works

Your child is assessed quickly, and life-saving treatment such as oxygen, fluids or medicines is started without delay when needed. Blood tests, X-rays or other investigations are arranged as required. Once stable, children who need close observation or intensive support are managed in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), where heart rate, breathing and oxygen levels are continuously monitored.

Keeping parents informed

The team explains the diagnosis, treatment and expected course in simple language and updates the family regularly. Parents are guided about consent, visiting and next steps.

What to do before reaching the hospital

• Stay calm and keep the child in a comfortable position; lay a seizing child on the side and do not put anything in the mouth
• Do not give food or drink to a child who is drowsy or struggling to breathe
• Carry the vaccination card and any medicines the child has taken
• Call the hospital ahead if possible so that the team can be ready