When to Take Your Child to the ER for Cuts or an Injury

Scrapes and bruises happen all the time with kids. So how do you know if your child's latest playground bump needs medical attention or not?

If Your Child Has a Cut, Try These Steps First

• Clean out the cut with tap water and apply pressure for 10-15 minutes to stop the bleeding. If bleeding does not subside, visit the pediatric ER.
• Measure the laceration. If a cut that is not on your child's face, is less than 1 mm deep and less than 1 cm long, urgent care is not necessary.

If the Laceration is Severe, Emergency Care May Be Necessary

• Visit a pediatric ER if the cut is greater than 1 mm deep and 1 cm long. It may require stitches or glue.
• If the cut does not stop bleeding after you have applied pressure for 10-15 minutes, seek emergency care to make sure the bleeding is not an indication of a more serious issue.
• If the cut is on your child's face, emergency care may be necessary. In most cases, it is best that a layer of broken skin on the face is glued or sewn.
• If your child is not up to date on his or her immunizations, our pediatric emergency physician may give your child a tetanus shot.

Our pediatric ER is close to home and able to treat your child's injury. The Children's Hospital at TriStar Centennial strives to beat the national average wait time, so you can get quick access to high-quality, pediatric emergency care.