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Summer fades like so many swimsuits on a line of clothing, but for kids, this time of year is characterized by an increased risk of preventable injuries.
Some local pediatric emergency physicians claim that half of the traumatic injuries they see every year occur between May and September. Specifically, in July and August, the number of deaths from excessive heat, drowning, motor vehicles and unintentional shootings by people under 18 years of age is generally high, according to Itsaca National Security Council ( Illinois). and deaths in the United States for 98 years.
"Summer is the season of trauma," said Dr. Charles Nozicka, director of emergency medicine at Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge. In the summer, he sees children rushing for falls, near-drownings and even heat exhaustion, among other seasonal injuries.
When accidents occur, it is essential to know where to go for treatment, doctors agree. But where is the best treatment for injuries and diseases? An emergency care clinic or emergency room? Some ideas:
What to expect from an emergency care center:
Emergency care centers, which often bridge the gap between primary care physicians and emergency rooms, are practical and cost-effective. Besides retail clinics, there are approximately 240 emergency care centers in Illinois, according to data from the Urgent Care Association, an industry group. The association estimates that visits for illnesses and injuries in emergency care centers typically cost between $ 115 and $ 160. Patients can also be seen earlier; Many emergency care sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN EMERGENCY ROOM:
In the meantime, there are only a handful of pediatric emergency rooms in the area, where there are doctors specializing in child care. Although more expensive, emergency rooms are better able to treat wounds and severe symptoms, such as allergic reactions, breathing difficulties or poisoning. Things like sunburn or annoying insect bites (unless breathing is impaired) can usually be treated in an emergency care clinic.
OK, so where do I go?
That said, two common childhood injuries are likely to be treated in an emergency room, according to doctors: broken bones or bones that look out of place and long or deep wounds. (For very young children, doctors advise parents to call their pediatrician first, if possible.Now after hours, many offices respond with advice.)
If you bring your child to an emergency care clinic for any of these conditions, you will likely be directed to an emergency room, said Dr. Elizabeth Powell, emergency physician at Lurie Children's. Hospital. "Many urgent care can not be sutured, so it just takes a lot of time, and parents do not have to wait in two places." And, Powell adds, "if you have a broken bone that needs to have fixed alignment, it can not be done in an urgent care" either.
On the other hand, some emergency care centers make stitches for less severe cuts and some also treat less severe bone fractures.
However, if you are having a first emergency, expect to wait a bit.
"Most emergencies are led by general practitioners of emergencies," said Nozicka, the local emergency physician. "They see all the arrivals, so they are not very efficient. Unless you have a real life-threatening emergency, you will not be seen immediately. "
Emergency rooms, which, just like emergency care centers, will not have your child's medical history, also get a "shot," Nozicka said. As a result, emergency physicians tend to exclude patients and often do not diagnose. In doing so, he said: "They tend to use imaging more than usual, and they also tend to order a lot of labs, which makes your visit longer and makes your visit less enjoyable, especially if you are a child. "
Translation: higher costs.
PLAY SAFE, EXPERTS SAY:
According to experts, the best treatment for seasonal accidents is to prevent them first. Ensure that children wear helmets and protective clothing on bikes, skates and scooters; keep the pools fenced when an adult is not present; Key recommendations include making sure to use appropriate seat restraint systems in a vehicle. It is also helpful to store the Poison Control Center number (1-800-222-1222) in a parent's cell phone.
Vigilance is essential, especially when children are near water, everything is agreed.
"Children must always be supervised by a caring caregiver," said Deborah Hersman, President and CEO of the National Safety Council. "It means not to read, not to be on a cell phone and not to consume alcohol."
It also means that this wait is clear for other caregivers, said Hersman, a self-proclaimed "safety mom." When she is in a group, she advises caregivers to say exactly who is watching young people and does not assume Drowning, for example, can take place quickly and discreetly.
"There are many ways to prevent bad things from happening, which is very easy to do," Nozicka said. "Many of these injuries in the summer are preventable."
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