Nothing is more terrifying to parents than when their child has a medical emergency. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in children and teens ages 1 to 21 in the U.S. The most common injuries are related to motor vehicle crashes, drowning, fires and burns, suffocation, choking, unintentional firearm injuries, falls and poisoning. However, parents can take an active role in protecting their children by providing good care and practicing injury prevention.

To prepare for a childhood medical emergency, become familiar with the signs and symptoms of childhood emergencies, work with your pediatrician to complete a medical history form for your child and develop a plan in case of a medical emergency. Ask when you should go directly to an emergency department, when you should call an ambulance, and what to do when the pediatrician's office is closed. In addition, become familiar with the policies of emergency departments in your community - for example, some allow parents to be with their children during invasive medical procedures, and some do not.

If you take your child to an emergency department, bring your child's medications in their original containers, as well as his or her medical history form. If you suspect your child has swallowed poison or any potentially harmful medications, call poison control first (1-800-222-1222), and then bring the suspected poisons or medications with your child to the emergency department.

In a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency department, unless directed to another nearby hospital by the child's physician or emergency services personnel. An ambulance may transport the child to the nearest emergency department or to a nearby specialty center, if appropriate. If necessary, after stabilization, your child may be transferred to a hospital with advanced pediatric capabilities.

Since hospitals can be frightening places for children, try to bring along a favorite toy, blanket or book to help make your child less anxious.

When a child experiences a medical emergency, it's important to stay calm and to call for help. Although this may be difficult, it is the responsibility of the parent or caretaker to do so - and remaining calm can help save the child's life.

• If you need immediate help, call 911 (or your local emergency services number).
• If needed and you know how, start rescue breathing or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
• If you have learned first aid, apply the techniques to stop serious bleeding, manage shock, handle fractures and control a fever, until help arrives. In addition, if needed and you know how, perform basic choking-rescue procedures for infants and children.
• If the child is having a seizure, place him or her on a carpeted floor with the child's head turned to the side. Stay with your child until help arrives. Check to make sure that nothing is in the mouth or interfering with the child's ability to breathe. Do not place anything in the child's mouth when he or she is actively seizing. Placing your finger in the child's mouth could place you at risk of being bitten and cause the child to vomit and aspirate (breathe in vomit).

If you take a child to the emergency department, help calm him or her by explaining what to expect once you arrive:

• Listen. Give permission to ask questions, cry and talk about feelings. Let the child know it's okay to be afraid and to say something hurts.
• Be comforting, but honest, including when giving information about procedures that may be painful.
• Share your feelings but remain calm; children sense when adults are anxious. Staying calm under stressful circumstances can save the child's life.

More than 30 million children receive emergency care each year. If you are feeling anxious, be reassured by the fact that emergency physicians have special expertise in childhood emergencies and in identifying life threatening problems. They are trained in pediatric airway management, resuscitation and emergency trauma care.

Emergency physicians also play an active role in developing innovative systems that revolutionize children's emergency care. Emergency medicine residency programs provide comprehensive training in caring for childhood emergencies.

In addition, emergency physicians have led the way to improve the standards and quality of emergency care of children around the world. Many have devoted their careers to improving emergency care of children through research and training, and through the development of clinical policies, and public education initiatives geared toward preventing injury and illness.

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) was among the first organizations to develop pediatric guidelines for emergency departments and ambulances, and ACEP continues to work with such organizations as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Emergency Medical Services for Children to develop policies and guidelines on care involving critically ill and injured children.