Emergency Care
When an emergency happens, it’s important to have the most advanced, compassionate care nearby. Our experienced emergency department staff are ready 24x7 to help treat you and your family quickly and efficiently, while never compromising on the highest quality of health care.
Call 911 if someone is experiencing life threatening conditions like a heart attack, stroke or is unresponsive.
Whenever an illness or injury occurs, you need to decide how serious it is and where to seek medical treatment. Sometimes you need immediate treatment, other times you may be able to get treated with virtual care or a walk-in clinic.
Reserve your spot online or walk in 24 hours a day. These are some of the conditions we treat at the ER:
Heart attack symptoms - Chest pain or discomfort; nausea; shortness of breath
Stroke symptoms - Numbness in the face, arm or leg; sudden confusion; dizziness; blurred vision
Severe COVID-19 symptoms
Broken bones
Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
Major burns
Severe allergic reactions to foods or insects
High fever that can't be controlled by aspirin or ibuprofen
Dehydration associated with persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
For kids and parents, emergencies can be scary. At St. Louis Children’s Hospital, we focus on kid-friendly emergency services with compassionate care, free parking, private rooms, and fast track areas. While we try our best to see every patient as quickly as possible, there is usually a wait to see a doctor. Here are some tips that can make your trip to the ER easier:
Anticipate that your trip will last a few hours.
Our pediatric experts staff emergency departments at several of our sister BJC hospitals. If there are no times at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, find an emergency room near you to schedule your arrival time online.
If your child has mild symptoms and your pediatrician's office is closed, After Hours is available for walk-in treatment of many common respiratory viruses including RSV. Patients will be seen in order of arrival time unless emergency care is required. However, you may schedule your arrival time online to reduce your wait and help us prepare for your visit. All safety guidelines are being followed including masking for everyone over age 2.
Comfort items like stuffed animals or blankets may help kids during their wait. The best items are ones that can be laundered after your visit.
Medicines for fever or pain can be given prior to your visit. Review the dosing guide or check with your physician’s office.Check with your triage nurse first. If your child is cleared to eat or drink, vending machines are available near the emergency department.
Bring chargers for electronic devices.
We understand that coming to the Emergency Department for the first time can be overwhelming or even scary. You may not know what to expect, and that’s OK. We’ve created this graphic to explain to you and your family what to expect during your visit. Our goal is to keep you informed and supported every step of the way.
