An ER Checklist: What to remember when taking kids to the ER

Disclaimer: This contains no medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Full disclaimer here.

I hope that you don’t ever need the information I’m about to share. 

This post is for someone taking a child to the emergency room (ER). It’s for someone who does not need to call 911 or travel by ambulance.

Rather, this is for someone who has a few minutes to gather thoughts (and a few things) before they make their way to the ER. 

Unfortunately, I’ve had this experience as a parent a couple of times. And, working in emergency rooms, I’ve also been on the other side. Whether it was working with families who were navigating the hospital for their first time or those that need the ER a lot, every parent does their best to take care of their child in these hard situations.

I have learned from all these experiences, so wanted to share a few suggestions today.

A quick list to skim as you head to the ER with your child

Consider keeping this list handy as a quick reference before heading out the door. Obviously, not every item applies to every person, but it’s a checklist worth thinking through. If you’re unable to grab anything on this list, that’s ok. Focus on your child’s well-being. The rest can sort itself out. Again, this is if you have a few extra minutes. 

Some priorities on an ER checklist

• Your phone. If you have a cell phone, take it. 
• Your insurance card. If you have insurance, it just makes things a lot easier during the check in process. Here’s an idea. Take a picture of your insurance card to keep on your phone. You can do that right now, actually! Then it’s one less thing to scramble for as you head out the door in a more stressful moment. 
• Your photo ID. It’ll probably be requested at some point. You can also take a photo of your ID!
• Phone charger. ER visits can definitely take longer than anticipated. A charged phone makes things like easier. 
• A list of medications your child takes, ideally the complete names and doses. (Some families choose to bring in all the medications themselves, especially if there’s concern about a potentially missed dose). If it’s a long list, this is also worth keeping updated on your phone. Make sure you notify staff in the ER if your child is due for any regular medications during their time there. Depending on the circumstances, they may recommend taking the scheduled dose, or the opposite: temporarily delaying it for one reason or another. 
• Any medical supplies or equipment your child needs. This is a general statement, but may include things like an oxygen monitor or a feeding pump.
• If you have a baby: breast milk or formula. As I discuss in this post about NICU follow up appointments, life outside the home is so much easier if your baby has a satisfied tummy. 

Less essential “extras” that make an ER visit more tolerable

These are a few things that help keep both caregivers and kids a little more comfortable. Whether a child is undergoing treatment or they’re just waiting (and waiting) for care, a few extra supplies can go a long way.

1. Snacks, especially for yourself as a caregiver.

In my experience, many hospitals have at least some snacks for patients if needed. It varies a lot more for the patient’s caregiver. Ideally you have plenty of snacks for both of you, but the point here is to not forget about your own well-being. There’s a very good chance you’ll be in the ER longer than planned. Hunger makes it even more challenging.

When it comes to food for your child, most ERs will really appreciate you asking before feeding your child. Does that seem funny? The reasoning is that some procedures are safest when a child has an empty stomach. So they may ask that you wait until they know such procedures aren’t needed. 

2. Water bottle, for yourself

Really. It’s so much easier to stay hydrated when you don’t have to interrupt people working in an ER to ask where you can get a sip of water. And, it’s so much easier to parent when you’re hydrated.

3. A hoodie, sweater, or small blanket

I was reminded of this during my most recent visiting-the-ER-as-a-parent experience. It was just so very cold. Luckily, my kiddo got a warm blanket. My shivers? Not tragic, but annoying for sure. 

4. Some sort of entertainment for your child.

Waiting is so hard for little ones. If you’re lucky, there may be a TV playing something age-appropriate in the ER. But I wouldn’t count on it. Whether you choose a magazine, a sticker book, a tablet, a deck or cards, or a coloring book and crayons, a little goes a long way. Are you surprised a pediatrician is suggesting a tablet as an option? Let’s be frank: If your child is in the ER, they’re probably not having a great day. In my opinion, this is not the time to worry about screen time. A tablet might be really helpful. Just make sure to pack whatever headphones or chargers are also needed. 

5. An extra shirt for your child.

Depending on why you’re in the ER, there’s a good chance clothing isn’t going to stay clean and fresh. This was something I witnessed many times. Blood, vomit, water from cleaning wounds . . . There were all sorts of ways for clothing to get wet or dirty or uncomfortable. And yes, there may be a hospital gown for while they’re receiving treatment. However, when it’s finally time to go home, it’s a relief to pop on a fresh T-shirt.

A quick packing list just in case you’re there overnight . . .

Hopefully an ER visit is short and sweet, sending your little one back home in no time. 

This doesn’t always happen.

If your child is admitted (spending the night on the inpatient floor of the hospital) or if the stay in the ER is just a lot longer than anticipated, it’s nice to have a few supplies. (These are all things I personally did not bring during one of my experiences that turned out to be much much longer than expected). 

First, you know what you need for your own overnight comfort. If you’re pretty sure you’ll be in the hospital with your child for a few days, there’s a longer list of things you may want to have. Here are just a few small things you can grab quickly to make any surprises easier to handle. 

• If you wear contacts: lens solution, a contacts case, and your glasses. 
• Toothbrush and toothpaste 
• An extra shirt for yourself, or a change of socks and underclothing (whatever it takes to just feel more put together, even if there’s no chance to completely shower and change). 
• More snacks. No, seriously. Just throw in some more.

What else would you add to this list? 

Overall, a trip to the ER with a child is stressful, even if it’s for the simplest of reasons. If you happen to have a couple of minutes to prepare, packing these few essentials can make at least part of the visit slightly simpler. If there’s something I’ve forgotten, please let me know! I’d love to learn and share whatever can make these difficult experiences a little easier.

Maya M. Mahmood, D.O., F.A.A.P. is a board-certified pediatrician and mom. She is passionate about parents having evidence-based information to help their families be healthier. Subscribe to the newsletter or follow on social media @mayapeds.