Is it an emergency?

It is an emergency if…

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

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It’s not an emergency if…

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, consider care options in the community first.  See the Alternatives to the emergency section below.

• 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.

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Alternatives to the emergency

If your child has a non-urgent health concern, you can contact: 

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Prepare for your visit

What to bring

If you have time to prepare, bring:

Getting here

The Montreal Children’s Hospital Emergency Department is located at the Glen site (1001 Décarie Boulevard, Montreal). The Emergency Department entrance is on Level S1, directly across from the parking garage.

Drop-off is available:

• At the Montreal Children’s Hospital main entrance
• At the Emergency Department entrance on Level S1

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.

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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. 

Pre-triage 

When you arrive, you will first meet a triage nurse who will: 

• Ask for your child’s RAMQ card 
• Ask why you are visiting 
• Complete initial screening questions 

Registration 

A registration clerk will: 

• Confirm your contact information 
• Ask for your child’s RAMQ card
• Place an identification bracelet on your child. 
• Read more: Admitting

Triage 

A second triage nurse will: 

• Ask more detailed questions about your child’s symptoms
• Take vital signs
• Examine your child. This assessment is based on the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) and helps determine how urgently your child needs to be seen by a doctor. 

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 patient may be discharged home, transferred to another hospital or admitted to a Montreal Children’s Hospital inpatient unit.