Once in a while, an accident happens right in front of you and you must make a split-second decision to get help. Erring on the side of caution when faced with a head injury and visiting the ER even when no obvious symptoms are present could, in rare cases, be the difference between life and death. Beyond this, the American College of Emergency Physicians says to consider emergency care for a child for any of these reasons (not an all-inclusive list):

After a fall or other head injury

• Depending on severity, even when no symptoms are present

• Loss of consciousness • Excessive sleepiness/difficulty waking

• Headaches, especially if they worsen • Bulging in a soft spot on the front of an infant’s head

• Unequal pupil size

• Difficulty speaking, confusion or inconsolable crying

• Repeated vomiting or refusing to eat or nurse

• Sign of skull trauma like depressed area at injury location

• Signs of swelling at injury location Burns

• To eyes, mouth, hands or genitals, even if mild

• Caused by contact with electricity or caustic chemicals

• Skin looks white or charred, is filled with greenish or brownish fluid or has pus-like, foul-smelling drainage

• Cause fever and/or nausea and vomiting Swallowing poison

Poison:

Anytime a poisonous (or possibly poisonous) substance is ingested, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222. Post this number by your phone or in your speed dial. If you see a doctor, bring poison in original container if safe to do so.

Fever

• Child less than 2 months old has fever of 100.4f or higher

• Child is lethargic, unresponsive, has trouble breathing or won’t eat. Shows signs of dehydration—dry lips and tongue, sunken eyes

• Fever lasts for more than three days

• Child experiences a febrile seizure