Save Lives, Don’t Drive—When to Call 911

When your child experiences a medical emergency, you want them to have the care they need right away. At the five Wellstar Pediatric Emergency Departments (ED) at Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia and Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Paulding Medical Centers, you’ll find expert treatment designed just for kids.

Why visit a Pediatric Emergency Department?

“We have a common saying in pediatric emergency medicine that ‘children aren’t just little adults.’ Children’s bodies and the health problems that affect them are very different from adults,” said Pediatric Emergency Physician Dr. Christopher Graves. “When you visit a pediatric ED, you can trust that your child is receiving age-appropriate evaluation and care.”

This can often mean finding a diagnosis through physical examinations and a thorough patient history with less reliance on invasive testing. When testing is needed, rest assured that your child’s care team has training in pediatric medicine and knows what tests and medications are needed to keep your child safe.

When should you go to the pediatric ED?

“If you feel your child is experiencing a life-threatening symptom such as trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, severe allergic reaction or bleeding that's hard to control, you should go to the ED or call 911. Remember to talk with your child's provider during your visits about when you should worry,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Sandra Rodriguez-Sfeir. “Some things are age-specific—like a temperature at 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above in a baby under 2 months absolutely needs to go to the ED. Don't wait to see your pediatrician in the morning.”

There may also be urgent care centers in your area. Urgent care can be a great option for non-life-threatening conditions such as common colds, mild flu-like symptoms or earaches. Read more about where to go when your child isn’t feeling well.

“Some families struggle to decide whether they should go to an ED or urgent care. I have always told families—you are never wrong to come to a pediatric ED,” Dr. Graves said. “If you are worried about the life or safety of your child, you’ve come to the right place.”

Introducing your pediatric ED team

When you come to a pediatric ED, you will meet healthcare providers who have chosen to make children their focus. Our care teams know that children have unique needs based on their social and emotional development. Pediatric ED doctors, nurses and advanced practice providers have years of experience working with children, and they have learned how to approach children in a way that reduces their anxiety and fear. Acts as simple as examining a stuffed animal or blowing up a glove into a balloon can turn a crying child into a smiling child. 

Doctors are only one part of the team. Pediatric ED nurses have expertise in administering medications, placing IVs and performing other bedside procedures. When these types of interventions are needed, you can trust that the nurses, medics and ED techs who help with these processes have abundant experience. 

“Children are special and should be treated by nurses that specialize in their care. Emergency rooms can be a scary place for children and families,” said Jacqueline Rimer, a Wellstar pediatric emergency department nurse. “Wellstar pediatric nurses combine compassion and expertise to create an environment that reduces fear and anxiety while also providing quality, specialized care children and families deserve.”

Our child life specialists are trained to work directly with children and families to offer education, emotional support and distraction during procedures. Coming to the pediatric ED is tough for many kids, but having the right team can make things a little easier. That makes all the difference.

Find a Pediatric Emergency Department near you.

The CDC Foundation is launching Live to the Beat Virtual Coaching, a free program to help women take small steps toward better heart health. This flexible, virtual program offers practical guidance meant to support and encourage—never overwhelm.

Live to the Beat Virtual Coaching focuses on everyday habits that matter most for heart health. Women will learn how to manage blood pressure, reduce stress, improve sleep and build health routines. The program helps participants understand their numbers and learn the right questions to ask so they can be active partners in their care.

Through our partnership with the CDC Foundation, Wellstar provides support for the virtual coaching program. This includes Dr. Karla Booker, a Wellstar primary care physician and public health advocate. Dr. Booker helps participants to better understand their health, prepare for medical visits and work with their care team to manage their well-being.

"I want my patients to know that I am their dream weaver. Whatever life they envision for themselves is possible," Dr. Booker said. "I want to empower them to communicate openly with me to make their dreams come true."

Participants may choose to attend all five sessions or choose sessions that fit their needs. Each session offers practical tools, real‑world insights and clear next steps that can be applied immediately. Following the live sessions, instructional videos are available for download. Partners and community organizations can also use a facilitator guide (by request) and session worksheet to can help educate the community.

Learn more and register at livetothebeat.org/coaching.