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What to Say in an Emergency

When Calling Emergency Services

Say exactly:

""I'm calling about my child who has a head injury. They are [age] years old. The injury happened [time] minutes/hours ago from [cause of injury]. They are [conscious/unconscious] and showing these symptoms: [list main symptoms]. We are at [your exact location/address].""

At the Emergency Room

Say exactly:

""My child hit their head [time] ago. Here's what happened: [brief description]. I noticed these symptoms: [list symptoms in order they appeared]. They [have/haven't] lost consciousness or vomited. They [do/don't] have any medical conditions and [are/aren't] on any medications.""

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • 1
    Comfort and Calm Your Child
    • Take a deep breath, then comfort your child with gentle words.
    • Sit them down comfortably; avoid rapid movements.
  • 2
    Check the Injury
    • Gently look at the area:
    • Minor bump or bruise: Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth (or bag of frozen peas) for 10–15 mins.
    • Bleeding cut: Press gently with a clean cloth until bleeding stops. Clean gently with water; don't scrub.
  • 4
    Manage Mild Pain and Swelling
    • Pain relief: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) following age-appropriate dosing.
    • Rest: Quiet activities; no screens initially. Reading, puzzles, or quiet play is best.
  • 5
    When to Return to Normal Activities
    • First 24 hours: Take it slow. Quiet activities, no rough play.
    • After 24 hours: If your child is alert, responsive, and feeling well, gradually return to normal routines.
    • Sports or high-energy play: Wait at least 48 hours without symptoms. Always consult your doctor for concussions.

Watch for Signs

Monitor your child for these symptoms:

🚩 Red Flags (seek immediate care)

  • Loss of consciousness (even brief)
  • Confusion or dizziness
  • Repeated vomiting (2+ times)
  • Severe headache or neck pain
  • Vision changes or unequal pupils

💚 Normal Symptoms

  • Mild headache
  • Minor swelling or bruise
  • Brief crying, irritability
  • Slight tiredness, normal sleep
  • No memory loss or confusion

FAQs (Common Parent Questions)

"My child wants to sleep. Can they?"

Yes, it's okay to sleep after a minor bump. Check on them periodically to ensure breathing is normal and they're easily roused.

"Should I wake my child up overnight?"

It's no longer routinely recommended. Only wake your child if symptoms worsen or you notice unusual breathing or restlessness.

"Should I take them to a doctor just in case?"

Trust your instincts. If you're unsure, see a doctor. It's always better to be cautious, especially with young children.

Real Parent Tips

Real Parent Experiences

"Ice packs saved us. Keeping one wrapped and ready in the freezer helps."

— Sara H., Toronto

"Trust your gut. We went to ER after seeing dizziness; glad we did."

— Hassan J., Vancouver
This guide is intended for quick reference and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a medical professional if uncertain.