Pediatric Emergency Department
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Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for pediatric emergency care?
Children experience medical emergencies differently than adults. Our team is trained to care for children and has a deep understanding of their medical and emotional needs during an emergency. Our emergency departments are tailored to the unique needs of children, supporting their safety and comfort.
If your child needs emergency care immediately, call 911.
Our emergency medicine team provides your child with timely, specialized care when every minute counts. We are available 24/7, treating more than 60,000 children per year with severe injuries and illnesses and supporting their families. Your child has rapid access to pediatric medical and surgical specialists and hospital admission if necessary.
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland is an American College of Surgeons-verified Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, one of only six in California treating children with severe traumatic injuries. Our pediatric trauma care specialists offer care in all areas, from emergency and intensive care through rehabilitation.
The San Francisco emergency department at Mission Bay, designed specifically for children, is the city's largest pediatric critical care receiving center.
Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for pediatric emergency care?
Children experience medical emergencies differently than adults. Our team is trained to care for children and has a deep understanding of their medical and emotional needs during an emergency. Our emergency departments are tailored to the unique needs of children, supporting their safety and comfort.
If your child needs emergency care immediately, call 911.
Our emergency medicine team provides your child with timely, specialized care when every minute counts. We are available 24/7, treating more than 60,000 children per year with severe injuries and illnesses and supporting their families. Your child has rapid access to pediatric medical and surgical specialists and hospital admission if necessary.
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland is an American College of Surgeons-verified Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, one of only six in California treating children with severe traumatic injuries. Our pediatric trauma care specialists offer care in all areas, from emergency and intensive care through rehabilitation.
The San Francisco emergency department at Mission Bay, designed specifically for children, is the city's largest pediatric critical care receiving center.
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Equipment and services tailored for children
From child-size blood pressure cuffs to age-appropriate treatments, our approach to emergency care prioritizes your child's safety and comfort.Network of pediatric specialists
Your child gets care from our pediatric emergency medicine specialists, plus quick access to UCSF's comprehensive network of pediatric experts.Level I pediatric trauma center in Oakland
UCSF Benioff Oakland's trauma center serves more than 8,000 injured children per year, offering the highest level of emergency care.Child-centered pain management
We use child-centered pain management, including medications, sedation when appropriate and child life techniques to minimize pain and anxiety.
Child-centered emergency medicine
We treat infants, children, teens and young adults under 21 experiencing a medical emergency. Whether it's a common or complex issue, our highly trained pediatric emergency medicine specialists are here to help.
When to take your child to the ER or call 911
Bring your child to the emergency room for:
Difficulty breathing or severe asthma attacks
Serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, deep cuts or burns
Loss of consciousness, seizures or difficulty waking your child
Fever in a young infant or a child who appears seriously ill
Severe allergic reactions, poisoning or swallowing a dangerous object
Severe pain or complications related to chronic health conditions
If you're concerned your child is seriously ill or injured, trust your instincts. Our pediatric emergency team is available 24/7 to evaluate and treat children of all ages.
For problems that need prompt care but are not life-threatening, visit one of our pediatric urgent care clinics.
Your child's ER visit
In the emergency department, children with the most serious illnesses and injuries are seen first.
During your child's time in the emergency department, their care team may include:
Doctors, including residents
Nurses
Behavioral health clinicians
Patient care technicians and radiology technicians
Medical and language interpreters
Patient transport staff
Family-centered approach
Our family-centered care helps children and caregivers feel comfortable and supported during stressful situations. Using child-friendly treatments and techniques, we help minimize fear and pain.
We address any questions and concerns you or your child have and include caregivers in the care whenever possible. Our chaplains, social workers and child life specialists provide holistic support for your child and family.
Amenities and resources for caregivers
We help make your stay in the ER as comfortable as possible, offering:
Accessible bathrooms
Café
Free Wi-Fi
Waiting room with TV
24-hour security
Follow-up care
After we treat your child in the ER, we make sure you have follow-up care instructions before you leave. If we recommend your child see a specialist, we may refer you to a Benioff Children's pediatric specialist.
Related services
Locations (dynamic)
Awards & achievements
60,000+
children served per year
24/7
24/7 access to pediatric stroke specialists
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Abdominal Pain
- Allergic Reaction
- Anaphylaxis
- Animal Bite
- Appendicitis
- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Burns
- Concussion
Special programs
Hospital-Based Youth Violence Intervention Program
Learn about the services provided by the UCSF Hospital-Based Youth Violence Intervention Program.
Research & community initiatives
Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)Opens in a new window
UCSF’s participation in PECARN contributes to multi-institutional research to improve emergency care for children of all ages. Your family may be able to participate in research, helping improve pediatric ED care and outcomes.Pediatric Pandemic Network (PPN)Opens in a new window
We are dedicated to enhancing pediatric emergency preparedness, response and resilience across the country. We use best practices and evidence-based guidelines to support the safety of children and families involved in emergencies and disasters.Improving Pediatric Acute Care Through Simulation (ImPACTS)Opens in a new window
We help strengthen pediatric readiness in community hospitals and emergency medical services across Northern California. We conduct on-site simulations, share resources and educate our community partners.Center for Child Protection
Our child abuse experts offer compassionate, supportive care, helping children get the protection, care and services they need.Child Passenger and Pedestrian Safety (ChiPPS) ProgramOpens in a new window
Our ChiPPS program uses education, community outreach and safety resources to improve child passenger and pedestrian safety and reduce traffic-related injuries and death.
Recommended reading
Should you take your child to urgent care or the emergency room?
When your child is sick or injured, here's how to decide whether to go to urgent care or the emergency room.
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.