Emergency Room Care

Medical emergencies involving children are often unexpected and frightening. That’s why South Counties Pediatric Critical Care Medical Group, with offices in Fountain Valley, West Covina, and Long Beach, California, offers specialized emergency care support for families across Los Angeles and Orange counties. Whether your child is having trouble breathing or has suffered an injury, the pediatric intensivists are available to support emergency physicians and provide rapid, expert care. 

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

Emergency room care is necessary when your child has a serious or life-threatening condition. While many minor illnesses can be managed at home or with a primary care provider, some symptoms require immediate evaluation by emergency medical professionals.

Bring your child to the emergency room if they experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Uncontrolled bleeding or major injury
• High fever with lethargy or confusion
• Seizures or loss of consciousness
• Severe allergic reactions
• Persistent vomiting or dehydration
• Blue lips, nails, or extremities

These symptoms may signal a critical condition that needs urgent intervention. It’s always better to err on the side of caution—if you’re unsure whether to seek emergency care, contact your pediatrician or head to the ER. Fast intervention can make all the difference in serious cases, especially for young children and infants who can deteriorate quickly.

What happens in the emergency room?

Once your child arrives at the emergency department, a medical team will assess their condition, stabilize symptoms, and begin treatment. This may include oxygen support, IV fluids, imaging, or medications, depending on your child’s condition. If the situation is critical, pediatric intensivists from South Counties Pediatric Critical Care Medical Group coordinate with ER physicians to provide specialized care and determine whether your child requires hospital admission.

South Counties Pediatric Critical Care Medical Group also offers 24/7 pediatric critical care transport services. The mobile team—led by an experienced pediatric intensivist—ensures your child receives continuous care en route to the hospital. This ensures a seamless and safe transition from the field or referring facility to the emergency room.

What if my child is admitted to the hospital?

If admission is necessary, your child transitions into inpatient care under the team’s supervision. South Counties Pediatric Critical Care Medical Group manages all aspects of treatment during the hospital stay, regularly communicates with your family, and collaborates with your child’s primary doctor. The goal is to provide expert care while keeping you informed and supported every step of the way.

When your child is stable, the team prepares a discharge plan to ensure safe care at home, including medication instructions and follow-up care.