REGINALD WASHINGTON, MD, FAAP, FACC, FAHA CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN
A Note from
Dr. Washington
Dear Parents: “Children requiring emergency care have unique and special needs. This is especially so for those with serious and life-threatening emergencies.” These introductory sentences to the American Academy of Pediatrics Care of Children in the Emergency Department: Guidelines for Preparedness are the foundation for Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s development of superior pediatric emergency care for the communities we serve. During the past year, more than 50,000 children were seen in HealthONE’s Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s emergency departments throughout the metro area. Because we see so many children in our emergency departments, this issue of Rocky Mountain Kids focuses on injury prevention—to help keep children safe. And, it features information about our innovations in emergency service, particularly our initiatives to minimize a child’s pain and to reduce wait times through coordinated care. Any parent who has made the trip to an emergency department with a sick or injured child knows the anxiety of wanting their son or daughter to feel better faster. But they also want to be sure that their child will receive quality care. That’s why the pediatric emergency rooms at HealthONE’s Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children locations are staffed with fully trained, board certified pediatricians and pediatric emergency physicians. Specially trained nurses, pediatric pharmacists, pediatric equipment and all other components required for pediatric emergency services are in place to provide quality support for a child’s care. We hope you and your family have a safe summer full of healthy fun. But if you do need emergency care for your child, we have the “right stuff” for your summertime accidents and illnesses.
3HGLDWULF (5V 'HVLJQHG WR &$5( )25 .,'6 As a parent, there’s nothing worse than seeing your child sick or in pain. And when your son or daughter has a serious medical emergency, you want nothing less than the best care available. That’s why bringing your child to a hospital with an emergency room (ER) designed especially for kids is a good decision. There, doctors and nurses will provide your child with top-quality care and offer you peace of mind. SPECIALLY TRAINED STAFF Pediatric ERs are specially designed and staffed to handle the medical emergencies of babies, children and teens. Doctors receive extra training in pediatric emergencies and must pass a test that certifies them as pediatric emergency physicians. They are trained to deal with emergencies that may require unique techniques or procedures, or use special equipment. Also, they have expertise in easing the pain and anxiety that children’s emergencies can cause families. Board certified pediatric emergency specialists, nurses and social workers are skilled at:
• Explaining what is happening to your child during treatment • Understanding that children might react differently than adults • Providing instructions on how to care for your child when you get home • Assessing the unique treatment needs of children and teenagers KID-SIZED AND KID-FRIENDLY Crowded adult ERs can lead to long waits and a scary setting for young patients. But pediatric ERs are specially outfitted with kid-sized equipment, beds and supplies, including: • Lifesaving defibrillators customized for children • Child-sized blood pressure cuffs • Systems that quickly identify equipment and medicines appropriate for a child’s age and weight The waiting areas, hallways and examining rooms are also decorated and designed to be kid-friendly and put your little one at ease. COME PREPARED Develop an emergency plan with your child’s doctor and get familiar with the pediatric ERs in your community.
50+& (PHUJHQF\ /RFDWLRQV Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Medical Center 19th Avenue and High Street Denver, CO 80218 ER: 720-754-4115 q Open 24/7 Sky Ridge Medical Center I-25 and Lincoln Lone Tree, CO 80124 ER: 720-225-1900 q Open 24/7
The Medical Center of Aurora Potomac and Mississippi Aurora, CO 80012 ER: 303-695-2780 Rose Medical Center 9th and Clermont Denver, CO 80220 ER: 303-320-2455 North Suburban Medical Center Grant and Thornton Parkway Thornton, CO 80229 ER: 303-450-4519
Swedish Medical Center Hampden and Logan (three blocks east of Broadway) Englewood, CO 80113 ER: 303-788-6911 Swedish SW ER Wadsworth and Bowles Littleton, CO 80123 303-932-6911
Visit www.RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com/maps_and_directions for a map of our locations. 6XPPHU 52&.< 02817$,1 .,'6 6XPPHU