Pediatric emergency care, close to home
In Austin, Texas, Dell Children’s Medical Center’s pediatric emergency department delivers 24/7 emergency care for kids with serious illness and injuries. We are the only pediatric Level I Trauma Center in Central Texas. This means we deliver the highest level of critical care for children in the region. We listen to quickly understand your child’s health needs. Then, we provide care that’s right for your child and your family. Our board-certified emergency care doctors and care teams are specially trained in pediatric emergency protocols and deliver advanced life-saving services. We know emergencies can be scary for kids so our pediatric ER was designed with children and families in mind. Colorful waiting areas and exam rooms help put your child at ease, and we use specially designed equipment made just for children. From the moment you walk through the door, we deliver compassionate care to help your family through an emergency.
Questions about the care you need or the closest ER?
Our ERs are ready 24/7 when you need care for major or life-threatening illness or injury. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or dial 9-1-1. However, if you are unsure if you need emergency care - or don't know when or where to go - call our care navigation hotline to find the location or site of care that's right for you at 512-324-2424. Our care navigation hotline has medical professionals available 24/7 who can help you determine when and where to go, at no cost to you.
Caring for sudden, serious illness and injuries
Getting colds, bumps and bruises are all part of being a kid. When an illness becomes more severe or your child has a major injury, it may be time to take your child to the ER. Getting the emergency care your child needs when they need it is an important decision. Symptoms and signs that your child needs emergency care include:
- Trouble breathing
- Blue face & lips or pale coloring
- Chest pain
- Seizure
- Major injury or broken bone
- Severe allergic reaction
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- High fever
- Animal bite
- Other serious illness or injury
We’re ready for serious injuries with 24/7 trauma care
When you or a loved one has experienced a life-threatening or traumatic injury, you need immediate, advanced emergency care. The ER at Dell Children's Medical Center is a level I trauma center. When you choose trauma centers at Dell Children's Medical Center, you get highly trained trauma surgeons and care teams with the expertise to treat serious injuries. Our care teams work together to provide multidisciplinary, comprehensive emergency medical care. Each trauma center is verified by the American College of Surgeons and/or designated by the State to ensure they are equipped for, and capable of, caring for patients with serious injuries.
Our teams specialize in caring for patients with all severe and life-threatening injuries, including injuries to the brain and spine, broken bones, injuries to internal organs, severe blood loss and shock. They are part of our experienced emergency and critical care teams delivering trauma care using high-tech equipment and techniques. Accidents happen, and when they do, our trauma teams are ready to deliver the care that’s right for you.
If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.