When should you bring your child to the emergency room?
Emergencies don't follow a schedule, and it isn't always obvious whether something needs an ER visit or can wait for a regular appointment. Below is a plain-language guide to the situations that call for immediate care.
Breathing & seizures
Trouble breathing or a seizure
High fever with a seizure
Breathing difficulties or a severe asthma attack
Bluish lips or skin, or very fast or laboured breathing
Injuries & trauma
Falls, injuries or head trauma
Accidental injuries, fractures or open wounds
A head injury, especially with unconsciousness
Confusion, repeated vomiting or drowsiness after a fall
Stomach & fluids
Severe vomiting, diarrhoea or dehydration
Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
Signs of dehydration, such as no urination for many hours
An infant refusing to feed
Allergies & poisoning
Allergic reactions or accidental ingestion
A sudden allergic reaction or rash
Swelling of the face, lips or throat
Poisoning or swallowing a foreign object
Need immediate pediatric care?
No appointment is needed for emergency care. Rapid, expert emergency services for infants, children and teens are available at your nearest Shishuka location, day or night.
If you're not sure
If a symptom feels serious or you're simply unsure, it's always safer to come in and be checked than to wait it out at home. Our team will assess your child quickly and guide you on the right next step.
What to bring to the hospital
Your child's vaccination record if available, any current medications, and a note of what happened and when symptoms started.
