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Article Category: Highlights

Wellstar Pediatric Emergency Departments

Dedicated care for kids when it counts

Published on February 04, 2022

Last updated 10:59 AM February 04, 2022

Child with a broken leg being cared for by a pediatric specialist.

When a kid experiences a sudden medical emergency, it can be a stressful experience for both the parents and the child.

With four dedicated pediatric emergency departments, Wellstar Health System helps families have peace of mind that their little ones are in expert hands. Find a location near you:

  • Wellstar Cobb Hospital
  • Wellstar Douglas Hospital
  • Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
  • Wellstar Paulding Hospital

Here, we know quick action, advanced services and compassionate care are essential to treating children like 12-year-old Alex. When he broke his leg during football practice, the injury could have caused lasting damage if he didn’t get the proper care.

“From the moment we arrived at the ED, the experience was absolutely phenomenal. He wasn’t treated like a number,” said Stephanie, Alex’s mother. “Knowing that the Wellstar team really cared about my son helped build my trust.”

Due to the severity of the break in Alex’s leg, surgery was a likely outcome.

“There was a 90% chance that my son would need surgery,” Stephanie explained. The odds seemed stacked against them.

However, the skilled pediatric team, led by Dr. Mark Brown, didn’t give up. They expertly set Alex’s break in a cast. Because it was done so well, he never required surgery to heal.

Now, months after the injury, Alex is on the mend and finishing up his last few physical therapy sessions. He will make a full recovery and can keep playing the sports he loves.

That’s because Wellstar knows kids aren’t just “mini adults.” Our pediatric specialists take time to understand your child’s unique needs, even in an emergency.

Expert emergency care just for kids

Our pediatric emergency departments are designed for our youngest patients, from birth to early adulthood. We deliver emergency care for a full range of pediatric emergency conditions, including:

  • Fracture
  • Head injury
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction or severe abdominal pain
  • Acute asthma
  • Pulmonary issues
  • Diabetic emergency
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Seizure

Wellstar Pediatric Emergency Departments are powered by Pediatric Emergency Medicine Associates (PEMA) to provide high-quality care. Pediatric patients also have access to child life specialists who are trained to help children understand their injuries, medical care and even how to cope with difficult emotions.

In addition to our skilled medical team, each facility offers special equipment — like small casts and crutches — that are the perfect size for kids at any age or stage. Having the right technology, treatments and resources in place helps your child heal and feel better.

Don’t delay care for kids

Medical emergencies are just as serious for children as they are for adults. If your child needs care for a life-threatening condition, call 911 right away.
For routine care and other specialty services, find Wellstar pediatric care near you.

Wellstar has a wide network of experts close to home. From well-child exams and specialty care to diagnostic testing and high-tech treatments, our team is here to protect your child’s health.

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Pediatric Emergency Department - 2518 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway KidCare Emergency Care
Related Articles
Stephen, a Wellstar Kennestone Level I Trauma Center patient, pictured with his daughter, Hannah.

PeopleCare

StephenCare

Stephen Nowlin became unexpectedly paralyzed one day when preparing for a Fourth of July celebration with friends. A flight EMS team was called to transport him when the flight nurse on call, Hannah Carr, recognized the address of the accident—her childhood home. She flew her father to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center, where he could have the fastest, most comprehensive trauma response—and a chance at full recovery.

When routine yard work went wrong

Preparing for his annual Fourth of July party, Stephen mowed his 13-acre property in Waco, Georgia. The routine chore took a terrifying turn when his mower flipped. Trapped underneath, he realized he was paralyzed. His friend soon discovered him lying there and called 911. 

Meanwhile, Stephen’s daughter, Hannah, was working that day as a flight nurse for a local air ambulance company. When the call came in about a 60-year-old man in a tractor accident, paralyzed, at her parents' address, she instantly knew who it was. Hannah and her air ambulance service partner were on their way. 

In good hands: first responders act fast

The local fire department and EMS arrived quickly, carefully removing the mower without moving Stephen. They transported him to a nearby landing zone where Hannah and her flight partner waited. As Stephen was loaded onto the helicopter, he told his daughter, “I just hope they can fix me.”

Hannah and her partner did a thorough, head-to-toe assessment for life-threatening injuries.

“I knew I was in good hands,” Stephen said. “She's going to take care of me better than anybody else would.”

On the flight to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center, Hannah communicated with the hospital ahead of arrival. In emergency situations, it’s important the team is assembled and ready to perform care as fast as possible. Because of their collaboration, not a minute was wasted.

Keep reading
Illustration of an ambulance

Highlights

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

When a stroke or heart attack strikes, every second matters. Saving time could mean saving a life, and it’s crucial that medical treatment starts right away. That’s why in the case of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately—don’t drive yourself or another person to the hospital. 

Emergency Medical Service crews are trained to start life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital, minimizing damage to your heart or brain. They can also conduct and interpret electrocardiograms to diagnose a heart attack in the ambulance. 

You also don’t want to drive if you are experiencing a heart attack or stroke yourself because your condition could worsen on the way to the emergency department and impact your ability to stay safe on the road. 

“If you're having an emergency, which could be severe abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness that you can't really explain, you've got to call 911,” said Dr. Ed Malcom, an emergency medicine physician at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. “The ambulance and the EMS services will get you to the emergency department in a safe way, and we will get you taken care of.” 

When a patient has a heart attack, ambulance crews communicate with our cardiac team on the way to the hospital, bypassing the emergency department and diverting directly to the cardiac catheterization lab, where our team is ready to restore blood flow to your heart. Calling 911 means reopening the heart artery sooner. And when someone has a stroke, it’s also crucial to take action right away—the sooner you seek treatment, the more brainpower can be saved. 

“Time is the most important factor,” said Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Zussman. “Saving time can be the difference between having a permanent stroke or making a good recovery.” 

To learn more about how Wellstar treats heart attacks and strokes, visit our heart care and neuro care pages. 

Keep reading
Family members embrace and smile

Highlights

Make Health Your Habit as a Family

At Wellstar, we understand how important your family’s health is to you. That’s why we partner with people and families across all ages to provide the continuing care each person needs to live their healthiest, fullest life.

By following tips from Wellstar pediatric and primary care experts to prioritize healthy habits at every stage, families can work together to take charge of their health and foster a lifetime of well-being.

Toddlerhood & early childhood

Building a strong foundation

Early childhood is a prime time to establish healthy behaviors as children’s brains are rapidly developing, making them highly receptive to learning.

“Nurturing healthy habits in childhood provides a strong foundation for long-term physical, emotional and social success,” said Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, a pediatrician at Wellstar East Paulding Pediatric Center and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

By incorporating several key habits into their children’s daily routines, parents can set the tone for a healthy, thriving life.

Prioritize a balanced diet: Preparing meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy not only supports children’s growth and development, but also introduces positive eating habits that can last a lifetime.

Additionally, “Let kids decide when they are full,” Dr. Dolgoff said. “Avoid using food as a reward or punishment.”

Establish routines: This includes fostering healthy sleep habits by creating a consistent bedtime routine, instituting regular meal and snack times, keeping kids active and limiting screen time.

“For children under 2, avoid screens,” Dr. Dolgoff advised. “For ages 2 to 5, limit to one hour of high-quality programming a day.”

Model healthy habits: “Children naturally observe and mimic their parents’ actions,” Dr. Dolgoff shared. “Be a role model by making healthy choices yourself, like exercising regularly, eating well and managing stress effectively. Kids are more likely to adopt positive habits when they see their parents practicing them.”

Middle childhood & adolescence

Encouraging healthy choices

As children grow and desire more of a say in the decision-making that affects them, parents should actively encourage their involvement while still ensuring their choices align with healthy behaviors.

Cook and eat meals together: Healthy foods fuel children’s physical growth and brain development. Involving kids in meal planning and cooking not only teaches them about the importance of healthy eating, but also fosters connection and quality time.

“Create the weekly grocery list together, cook and eat together,” said Dr. Neety Patel, a primary care physician (PCP) with Wellstar in West Cobb. “Eating together is a great way to set aside 30 minutes (or more) to enjoy your food, talk about your day and bond.”

Swap screen time for movement and creativity: Set boundaries around recreational screen time and encourage activities like reading, drawing, storytelling or outdoor play, Dr. Dolgoff suggested. Limiting screen time an hour before bed can help ensure kids get the recommended amount of sleep (9 to 12 hours for ages 6 to 12; 8 to 10 hours for teens).

“Too much screen time can negatively impact mental health,” said Dr. Dolgoff, “while creative activities boost cognitive development and emotional expression.”

According to Dr. Dolgoff, parents should also schedule time for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. “This can include walks, sports, dancing or family games. Movement promotes physical health, reduces stress and helps kids focus better in school."

Make it a team effort: Instilling healthy values takes a village, so remember to involve the whole family in decision-making. “Kids feel more motivated and empowered when they are part of the process,” explained Dr. Dolgoff.

Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Nikia Garland, who practices family medicine in West Cobb, added that setting realistic goals together promotes a sense of shared responsibility. “Use each other as an accountability partner,” she said.

And when children show progress or achieve success, don’t forget to celebrate. “Celebrations reinforce the idea that healthy habits are rewarding,” Dr. Dolgoff said.

Young adulthood

Taking charge of health management

Young adulthood is a period marked by significant life changes and evolving responsibilities. By teaching young adults to make healthcare a priority—even though they may feel invincible—parents can help set them up for future success.

Coordinate the transfer to adult-oriented care: Between ages 18 to 21, as students graduate or transition to life beyond high school, parents should coordinate the “handoff" from their pediatrician to an adult PCP.

“The transition from a pediatrician to an adult PCP is a critical step in helping teens take charge of their healthcare,” said Dr. Patel. “Transitioning ensures no gap in care.”

Making this switch empowers young adults to proactively take charge of their health management by establishing a plan to continue with annual physicals and age-appropriate health screenings.

Encourage discussion: Parents can further support their children during this transitional stage by maintaining open and honest communication about health topics.

“Parents can help by starting the conversation early, discussing the upcoming transition and why it’s important,” said Dr. Dolgoff. “Involve the teen in the process. Let them participate in selecting an adult PCP. Show them how to schedule appointments, refill prescriptions and understand health insurance. Teach them about their medical histories, including allergies, medications and any chronic conditions. Emphasize the importance of annual physicals and the benefits of preventive care.”

Adulthood

Maintaining long-term wellness

By the time young adults reach their mid- to late-20s, they should strive to have an established relationship with their primary care team, helping them stay ahead of injury and disease with regular screenings and preventative care.

Schedule annual physicals: Annual checkups create a baseline that can be used to track a person’s health over time. These exams are one of the best ways to catch and treat early signs of illness before they turn into serious health problems.

“During patient’s physicals, I review my wellness tips with them,” Dr. Garland shared. "It includes how to eat healthy (and what to do if you don’t), how to get restful sleep, getting physical activity, adequate water intake and daily stress relief.”

Limit processed foods and sugar: Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods can make a huge difference when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, and improving energy levels.

“It seems simple and obvious to preach, but in our busy lives, we often tend to eat on the go,” said Dr. Patel. “A freshly cooked meal can do wonders for your day.”

Stay active to age well: Exercise has many benefits for adults as they age, from staving off chronic disease to enhancing strength and balance to boosting mental health.

“Regular movement can maintain your muscle and bone strength and improve most musculoskeletal pains,” said Dr. Patel. For adults, Dr. Garland noted that she typically recommends getting 30 minutes of daily continuous physical activity or 10,000 steps a day.

“If you enjoy the gym, go for it,” said Dr. Patel. “If not, get active any way you are able—go for a walk, a hike, a bike ride, take a dance lesson with your loved one, do a Zumba class on YouTube (it's free!) or some chair yoga.”

However, it’s important to know your limits, added the physician. “If something starts to hurt excessively, scale back and talk to your provider if you're not sure,” she said. “Some movement is better than no movement!”

Take control of your family’s health by finding a Wellstar pediatrician or a Wellstar primary care provider near you.

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