Pediatric Emergency Medicine

With about 100,000 patient visits a year, we have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of emergencies in infants, children, teens and young adults. We're familiar with the vast differences in children's anatomy, injuries and illnesses, and are able to provide treatment that meets their unique medical needs.

We have one focus: kids.

Akron Children's Hospital's experienced team of pediatric board-certified doctors, nurses, technicians and child life specialists have special training and knowledge in pediatric emergency medicine. We understand children have different muscular, skeletal, vascular and neurological systems from adults, and they're at higher risk for head injuries and blood loss. We also understand even their symptoms are different. For instance, children can maintain normal blood pressure even when they're in critical condition.

If your child or teen is experiencing a mental health crisis, our Akron ER offers behavioral health emergency services with staff trained to evaluate and treat children and teens who present with mental and behavioral problems. The Akron ED has 5 rooms specifically equipped for these patients with muted colors and safety features designed to create a calming environment that can minimize anxiety and aggression.

Our training and experience have not only taught us how to deal with pediatric medical emergencies, but also how to:

• Provide treatment that meets the unique medical needs of infants, children, teens, and young adults. This includes giving medications and using special equipment in specific ways.
• Detect problems in children who are unable to be patient and cooperative.
• Ease the pain and anxiety that a medical emergency can cause families.

Security Screenings at the Emergency Department entrances

To provide a safe, secure environment for all of our patients, visitors and staff, we screen all patients, families and visitors entering our Akron and Beeghly campus emergency departments.

• Patients and visitors will be greeted by a Public Safety officer.
• The officer will inspect all bags and ask visitors to pass through a metal detector to check for weapons, illegal drugs and other dangerous items.
• Patients needing immediate attention will be assisted by ED staff and screened with a hand-held device once the patient is stabilized in an exam room.
• Patients arriving by ambulance will be screened by a hand-held device once they are stabilized in an exam room. Visitors arriving by ambulance may be screened by hand-held device or asked to walk through the metal detector.

Legally possessed items may be stored in the owner’s vehicle or secured by the Public Safety officer in a locker during the visitor’s stay for retrieval when leaving the hospital. We appreciate your patience and cooperation in helping us ensure everyone’s safety at the hospital.