When a child is injured, it’s understandable that parental panic can set in. But take a deep breath, dial 9-1-1, and know that NorthBay Healthcare’s professional physicians and staff are ready to respond in a moment’s notice.

Not only does our Level III Trauma Center at NorthBay Medical Center stand ready to help patients of all ages, but NorthBay’s Emergency Department is focused on providing the very best pediatric care for young patients. That means specially sized tools and equipment are ready and our staff is trained for the unique needs of children. NorthBay even promotes an “Ouchless ER,” using innovations in pain control and fluid delivery to make a scary day a little less scary.

In some cases, a child’s most critical moments happen at birth, but new parents can find comfort in knowing that our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and trained staff are ready to step in and provide TLC to the little one and parents alike.

Of course, older children are not immune from crises either. Falls are the leading cause of trauma cases, regardless of age and particularly active youngsters­—on bikes, skates, scooters—tend to do real damage.

That was certainly true in the case of 5-year-old Kelan Metzler-Pell, who was running when he tripped and broke his femur. And 11-year-old McKenna Sacca, who was in the middle of an intense soccer match when she suffered a head injury and ended up in our Emergency Department.

Emergency visits are not always injury-related. The No. 1 reason kids end up in the emergency department is fever, followed by abdominal pain and vomiting. When your child suffers any of these symptoms, it can be scary, but rest assured:

Help is here.