Emergency Medicine
Hoops Family Children's Hospital offers a dedicated lobby space and seven new treatment rooms for pediatric emergency patients from across the region.
Emergency medicine focuses on medical treatment for critically injured children and/or children with severe or life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention to preserve life or stabilize health. Physicians in the Emergency Department provide care for a wide array of acute illnesses, injuries and critical situations affecting infants, children and adolescents, such as:
- a child struck by an automobile
- a teen with an asthma attack
- a victim of child abuse
- a jaundiced newborn with a fever
- a hypothermic child after a near-drowning episode
The staff is experienced in stabilizing and managing critically and acutely ill children experiencing problems such as respiratory distress, fever, fractures, laceration repair, abdominal pain, vomiting, dehydration and/or seizures. Communication with parents is a key part of the process, and compassionate professionals keep the family informed and facilitate appropriate follow-up.
Pediatric Emergency Room
The Emergency Department at Cabell Huntington Hospital admits children to the Hoops Family Children's Hospital as appropriate. Because a visit to the Emergency Department can be a stressful experience for both children and parents, we have established a designated space in our Emergency Department lobby for our youngest patients.
Learn more below about our process so you can be prepared for your child's visit.
The first step is to sign in at the window so the staff knows you are here for treatment as well as the nature of your health concern.
The first person your child will see is the triage nurse, who assesses each patient's condition and prioritizes them according to their clinical urgency. This means that, although you may have arrived before other patients, you may not necessarily be treated before them. For example, a child with severe burns will be treated before a child with a rash, regardless of who arrives first. Our goal is to keep waiting times short, and you will be updated as often as possible. If you think that your child's condition is worsening and they need immediate care, please let the nurse know.
The pediatric emergency room lobby is designed to match the rest of the children’s hospital, complete with colorful seating and an interactive gaming system called BEAM™, which turns the lobby into an immersive and active environment for children.
After triage, you and your child will be escorted to a treatment room for medical care. A nurse will take your child's medical history and answer your questions. Then your child will be evaluated by a physician, who will determine the treatment plan for your child. If necessary, blood work and other tests such as X-rays may also be performed. To keep young patients at ease, parents are encouraged to stay with their children.
The registration desk is located to the left of the main Emergency Department entrance. The registration clerk will obtain basic information and verify insurance information at the bedside in the treatment room. Please wait patiently as patient volume may be high, which may result in delays.
The physician will discuss your child's treatment plan with you. If your child requires admission to the hospital, the purpose of the admission will be explained.
When your child is ready to go home, you will be given discharge instructions and any prescriptions that have been ordered, as well as any recommendations for follow-up care. Information about your child's visit to the Emergency Department will be forwarded to their primary care physician. If you don't have a primary care physician, we will gladly refer you to one.
If your child is admitted, they will stay in the Pediatric Unit, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit or the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
- Critically-ill patients are always the priority, regardless of who has been waiting longer.
- We're open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- No appointments are necessary.
- We cannot give medical advice over the telephone. You may come to the Emergency Department at any time or call your primary care physician for medical advice.
- Both parents may stay with young children.
- Interpreters are available by phone.