Paediatric emergency medicine deals with sudden illness and injury in children. Quick assessment sorts children by how unwell they are so that those with breathing trouble, shock, seizures or severe injury are seen first.

Parents should seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, bluish lips, a seizure, persistent vomiting with signs of dehydration, a high fever in a baby under three months, severe pain, a head injury with drowsiness, suspected poisoning or any child who is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake.

Treatment starts while tests are under way. Doses are based on weight, and the team explains each step to the child and parents. Some children are sent home with clear instructions, while others are admitted for observation or treatment.

Paediatric emergency services at Apex include:

• Triage and Rapid Assessment: Quick checks of breathing, circulation and alertness to identify children who need immediate treatment and to start care without delay.
• Dehydration Treatment: Oral rehydration or intravenous fluids for children with vomiting and diarrhoea, with monitoring of weight, urine output and alertness.
• Wound and Injury Care: Cleaning and repair of cuts, splinting of suspected fractures, and assessment of head injuries, with imaging when it is needed.
• Asthma and Breathing Emergencies: Inhaled medicines, oxygen and monitoring for wheeze or fast breathing, with a plan for home treatment and follow-up.