If you're unsure whether your child needs emergency care, start with our Nurse Advice Line 907-212-6183. For urgent symptoms, use our guide to understand when a visit to the Children's Emergency Care may be the right choice for your family.
Children’s Emergency Care
Our Approach
When your child needs emergency care, they deserve expertise designed specifically for children. Children’s Emergency Care at Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital combines advanced pediatric emergency medicine, family-centered decision making and compassionate care in an environment created for kids, from newborns to teens.
Because children aren't just small adults, our team is specially trained to address their unique medical and emotional needs. As part of Alaska's only children's hospital, we provide seamless access to pediatric inpatient care, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), pediatric surgery and specialty providers, all without leaving the Providence campus.
Trusted by families across the state, we care for one of the highest volumes of pediatric emergency patients in Alaska while keeping parents and caregivers at the center of every care decision.
Children's Emergency Care Benefits
We are the most comprehensive pediatric emergency center in Alaska, and the only one in Alaska that’s part of a children’s hospital. Our association with Providence Alaska Children's Hospital gives us the resources we need to care for your child in any situation, from minor injuries to a severe illness.
- 24/7 care - Specialized physicians, nurses and surgical teams available around the clock.
- 13 specialized treatment rooms - Designed for comfort, privacy and family support.
- Board-certified physicians - All physicians are specially trained in pediatric emergency care.
- Case management
- Certified child life specialists - Our certified child life specialist works full time in our center to help reduce children’s anxiety and help families cope. Learn more about the Child Life Program.
- Family-centered care - We partner with families and keep you informed every step of the way.
- Level II Pediatric Trauma Center - Designated by the American College of Surgeons, we’re the first center in Alaska to achieve this certification, providing comprehensive trauma care for children.
- Pediatric-trained nurses - Our nurses have completed the Emergency Nurses Pediatric Course (ENPC) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training.
- Referral to a pediatric specialist
- Social services
Choose the Right Level of Care
Parents often know first when something isn't right. If your child looks much sicker than usual, is hard to wake, has trouble breathing or you're concerned, you may need to seek emergency care. Use the guide below to choose the right level of care.
For care that can wait until today or tomorrow
- Comfortable and alert
- Drinking fluids normally
- Breathing normally
- Mild symptoms
- Can wait for your provider's next available appointment
For care needed today
- Uncomfortable but stable
- Same-day evaluation recommended
- Ear infections
- Sore throat or fever
- Minor injuries or sprains
- Cuts that may need stitches
For serious or life-threatening concerns
- Trouble breathing
- Seizure
- Severe injury or uncontrolled bleeding
- Difficult to wake, confused or disoriented
- Severe dehydration
- Severe allergic reaction
- Fever in an infant under 3 months
- Suspected poisoning or overdose
In the event of an emergency call 911.
Be Prepared Before a Pediatric Emergency
A little preparation can make emergencies less stressful. Keep key information handy and know what to expect so you can focus on supporting your child when they need care the most.
- Save emergency contacts, your pediatrician and Poison Control
- Bring medication lists and relevant medical history
- Pack a comfort item for your child
- Be prepared for triage and possible wait times
Expert Care for Kids, Peace of Mind for Parents
Families trust us to put children first. Through specialized pediatric care, compassionate support and services designed to help children feel at ease, we create a comforting experience for every child and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical emergencies that require immediate attention include:
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Confusion or difficulty communicating
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
- Head injury
- High fever
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Sudden changes in vision
- Sudden or severe pain
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Upon arrival, a registered nurse will evaluate your child and bring them to a treatment area as quickly as possible. A doctor will assess your child’s condition and determine whether laboratory, X-rays or other exams are necessary.
As with any medical visit, you may have to wait while specialists evaluate your tests. Our emergency laboratory and imaging teams work day and night year-round so they can provide test results quickly.
Once your child’s test results are back, your doctor will advise you about the best treatment approach and may follow up with your family pediatrician.
Examinations, tests and other procedures can be stressful, and it helps to know how long they will take. Each room has a wall chart that explains the average time for procedures such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and others. Your team will also let you know the time it will take to complete your child’s work-up.
Your team will keep you updated on how your child’s care is progressing and will let you know as soon as possible if he or she will need to be admitted into the hospital.