Pediatric Emergency Room (ER)

Ochsner Children's pediatric ER offers care 24 hours a day, seven days a week to kids with all levels of illnesses or injuries. Ochsner Children's pediatric experts are ready to provide world-class care for life-threatening emergencies and trauma that require immediate medical attention. Doctors at Ochsner Children's are also here for those common childhood emergencies, like broken bones, cuts that need stitches and other urgent conditions.

The pediatric emergency department at Ochsner Children's offers:

• A dedicated waiting room that’s only for infants, kids and young adults and their families

• A team of board-certified pediatric emergency medicine specialists

• Certified Child Life Specialists to make sure kids understand the care they’re receiving and are as comfortable as possible before, during and after they see a doctor or have a test or procedure

• Kid-friendly exam rooms

• In-house pediatric specialists and pediatricians are available for consultation, if needed.

Because the pediatric emergency room is part of Ochsner Children's Hospital, kids who are admitted have access to the full scope of pediatric care in a hospital that is designed to meet their needs. Ochsner Children's knows that kids aren’t just small adults, and the equipment and facilities throughout our hospital, including in the emergency room, are designed with kids’ comfort in mind.

The Ochsner Children's pediatric emergency department is staffed with specialists trained in pediatric care and nurses available to care for your child. Ochsner Children's Certified Child Life Specialists, who are experts in child development, are on-site in the pediatric emergency room to help your child understand what's happening and make them feel safe, calm and supported to ensure they have the most positive experience possible. 

Ochsner Children's pediatric emergency room offers 24/7 pediatric emergency care at 1514 Jefferson Highway in New Orleans, Louisiana. To visit the pediatric emergency room at Ochsner Children's with your child, enter through the main emergency room at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans. After your child is briefly evaluated to determine the severity of the illness or injury, you and your child will be brought to the pediatric ER for care.

When your child needs emergency care, you can know your decision to turn to Ochsner Children's is the right one. Ochsner Children's Hospital is recognized as a top children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Ochsner Children's pediatric cardiology and heart surgery, pediatric gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery and our pediatrics orthopedics programs are recognized among the best in the country. 

Bring your ID and a copy of your child’s medical insurance card. If your child takes any prescription medications, bring a list of them, as well as a list of any allergies your child may have. Be prepared to answer questions about your child’s medical history. It can also help your child’s experience if you bring something that helps them feel more comfortable, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. After your visit, be sure to let your child’s regular pediatrician know about your visit. They may want to schedule a follow-up appointment.

The emergency department is designed for very serious injuries or illnesses that need immediate attention. Examples of these include:

• Bites from animals

• Breathing problems

• Broken bones, especially those of the pelvis, back, face, neck or head

• Cuts or punctures that cause your child to be unable to move part of their body, or cuts that are deep or large and need stitches

• Head trauma

• Injuries that cause a loss of consciousness or memory loss

• Serious injuries to the back, neck or spine

• Severe burns

• Suspected internal injuries

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Uncontrolled vomiting

Your child should see his or her pediatrician for minor medical concerns, such as colds and viruses, minor injuries, poison ivy, fever, and other minor injuries or illnesses. If the pediatrician’s office isn’t open or you can’t get an appointment, a walk-in center or urgent care facility is a great option that will allow you to receive quick care.