Is it an emergency?
Is it an emergency?
As a parent or guardian, you know your child best. If you are unsure whether emergency care is needed, the guide When Should You Seek Emergency Care? can help.
Bring your child or youth to the Emergency Department if they have:
Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or more and the following
- Is less than 3 months old
- Has immune system problems or complex chronic health problems
- Is very sleepy or difficult to wake up
- Has a stiff neck
- Is refusing to drink even when given medication to reduce the fever (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
Difficulty breathing
- Signs include breathing irregularly or more quickly than usual, working hard to breathe, pale skin or whitish or blue lips
Vomiting or diarrhea
- With signs of dehydration (no tears, very dry mouth, more sleepy than usual, no urine for more than eight hours)
- Vomiting or diarrhea containing blood
Injuries such as
- Head injury with severe headache, loss of consciousness (passing out), confusion, sleepiness or vomiting
- Suspected broken or dislocated bone
- Cut that may need stitches
- Eye injuries
- Injuries that are causing chest or abdominal pain
Severe abdominal pain
A rash that looks like tiny or expanding bruises
Emergency Department entrance
Level S1, directly across from the parking garage.
Children coming to the Emergency are treated based on need, not the order in which they arrive. The sickest patients are seen first. The triage nurse will determine how quickly your child will be seen based on their symptoms.
Not an emergency
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, consider care options in the community first.
- Fever in healthy and vaccinated babies and children who appear generally well and playful when the fever is down with ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Tempra®). Most fever in children is due to viral infection and lasts 3-5 days
- Symptoms of the ‘common cold’ including nasal congestion and cough (even if it interrupts sleep), mild asthma or wheezing that responds to usual puffers
- Vomiting or diarrhea less than 3-4 times a day if the child is peeing well; ongoing diarrhea from the ‘stomach flu’ can last for up to two weeks.
- Recurring rashes or skin problems; rashes with cough and cold symptoms if the child looks well, mild hives without difficulty breathing or throat/ tongue swelling.
Alternatives to the Emergency Department
If your child has a non-urgent health concern, you can contact:
Your family doctor
For ongoing care or concerns, you usually discuss with your doctor. If your child does not have a family doctor, use the Quebec Family Doctor Finder to register for one.
Info-Santé (call 8-1-1)
Speak with a nurse who can give advice and help you decide where to go.
- Choose option 1 to access the priority line for parents of children 0-17 years old.
- Choose option 3 to access the GAP (Primary Care Access Point), a service for people of all ages who don’t have a family doctor and who have a specific, non-urgent health problem.
Rendez-vous santé Québec (RVSQ)
Book a same- or next-day family doctor appointment online. You do not need a family doctor to use Rendez-vous santé Québec. This service is available to anyone who has a card from the Quebec Health Insurance Board (RAMQ), even if the card is expired or not valid.
Your local CLSC
For health and social services, including nursing care and advice. Find a CLSC.
Your local pharmacy
For advice and medications.
Clic Santé
For blood tests or vaccinations. Clic Santé
Prepare for your visit
If you have time to prepare, bring:
- Your child’s RAMQ card or other health insurance information
- Your child’s medications
- Your medication (if you need to stay longer)
- Any specialized equipment, tubes or devices your child uses
- Diapers and formula, if needed
- Comfort and distraction items such as books, toys or electronic devices
- Snacks for you and your child, if permitted (some tests and procedures require an empty stomach)
- Chargers for your electronic devices
While you wait
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the hospital.
Username: public | Password: wifi - Child-friendly activities: Toys, tablets, DVDs, an interactive art project and a Snoezelen room are available to help keep children occupied while they wait. Ask a Child Life Specialist or volunteer for assistance.
- Breastfeeding room: A breastfeeding room is available in the Emergency Department waiting area.
- Quiet space: A prayer room/chapel is located on the 2nd floor and can be accessed via the Atrium elevators.
- Infant supplies: Diapers, breast pumps, bottle warmers, formula and pacifiers may be available upon request, subject to availability. Additional items can be purchased at the convenience store on Level S1 and the gift shop on the RC level during business hours.
- Comfort items: Blankets and pull-out chairs are available in exam rooms upon request.
- Food and refreshments: Water fountains are available nearby. A 24/7 vending machine offering cold meals and beverages is located in the waiting room. Additional food options are available during business hours on Levels S1 and RC.
- Pharmacy: A pharmacy is located on the RC level and is open Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Please tell a member of the Emergency Department team before leaving the waiting room or treatment area.
What to expect
A visit to the Emergency Department includes several steps. You may be asked to move to different areas as your child is assessed and treated. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we care for your child.
Reorientation
Reorientation is offered to some non-urgent patients. Depending on your child’s condition, the triage nurse may offer you to schedule an appointment at a clinic near your home to avoid waiting in the ED
Waiting area and reassessment
You will wait here until a doctor is available. If the wait is long, a nurse may reassess your child. If your child’s condition changes or you have concerns, please talk to the triage nurse at door 5 right away.
Exam room
The doctor will:
- Ask questions about your visit and your child’s medical history
- Perform a physical examination
- Discuss next steps in care
Tests and specialists
If needed, your child may have tests such as blood or urine tests, X-rays, or ultrasounds, or be seen by a specialist.
Leaving the Emergency Department
Your child may be discharged home, transferred to another hospital or admitted to a Montreal Children’s Hospital inpatient unit.
From Tiny Tot to Toddler
Is a cold or the flu? - Decision chart