When to seek emergency care

Seek emergency care for:

• Bleeding that can't be stopped
• Poisoning
• Seizures
• Increasing difficulty breathing
• Any change in consciousness, confusion, a bad headache or vomiting several times after a head injury
• Unconsciousness, acting strangely or becoming more withdrawn and less alert
• Large or deep cuts or burns or smoke inhalation
• Skin or lips that look blue, purple or gray
• Increasing or severe persistent pain
• Major mouth or facial injuries
• Near drowning

Prepare for emergencies in advance by asking your baby's doctor during a checkup what to do and where to go if your baby needs emergency care. Learn basic first aid, including CPR, and keep emergency phone numbers and addresses handy.