Services and Programs

Pediatric Emergency Medicine

The Ronald McDonald House Charities Children's Emergency Department

The Children's Emergency Department provides state-of-the-art care for more than 25,000 children each year. Opened in 2001 as a component of the region's largest and most modern emergency facility, children 18 and under who are acutely ill or injured can get specialized care in a reassuring, child-focused environment.

The department is staffed by physicians who are board certified either in pediatrics, most of whom are also board certified in pediatric emergency medicine, or board certified in emergency medicine with a special interest in caring for children. Specialists are available for consultation at all times. Our pediatric emergency nurses and nurse practitioners are Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) as well Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) certified. Child life specialists are on hand every day from 4:00 p.m. to midnight to help meet the emotional needs of both children and parents.

The entire facility, from the waiting areas to the treatment rooms, was meticulously designed to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients. Advantages include:

• Bright, child-appealing décor;
• Age-appropriate toys and activities including a DVD/television in each patient care room;
• The latest in medical equipment, appropriately sized to fit children from babies to teens;
• Close proximity to the adult emergency treatment area – a plus if multiple family members are emergency victims.

The department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is conveniently located right next to the main entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital. There is a 39-slot parking lot in front of the entrance for use by drivers bringing in young children. Patients with critical injuries can be rapidly transported to our rooftop helipad.

• If you’re having a life-threatening emergency and need help immediately, call your local ambulance or dial 911.
• If you’re in doubt about whether you should come to the Emergency Department, call your doctor. He or she knows your history, has access to your records, and can best advise you. Come to the Emergency Department if you cannot contact your doctor but feel that you need emergency care.
• If your child has swallowed a suspected poison or dangerous drug, call the Finger Lakes Regional Poison & Drug Information Center at 1-800-222-1222 for instructions, even if your child has no signs or symptoms. Certain poisons should be vomited up at once while others should be diluted with water as soon as possible. This type of immediate treatment can be lifesaving. (Be prepared to provide information regarding the child's age, weight, and previous health conditions. Also, give a description of the substance involved and how the child came in contact with it, and any first aid that may have been given.)

Should you call an ambulance or drive?

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, choose ambulance transportation.

• Could traffic conditions cause an unacceptable delay?
• Is it possible your child’s condition could get worse on the way to the hospital?
• Is your child:
  • Having difficulty breathing?
  • Bleeding heavily?
  • Unconscious or exhibiting uncontrollable agitation?
  • Having seizures?
  • Showing signs of a head, neck or back injury?
  • Showing signs of shock, including pale, cold clammy skin and a weak and rapid pulse?
• Could your child have significant injuries you cannot see?
• Could your concern for your child affect your ability to drive safely?

• Getting to the Pediatric Emergency Department
• What to expect in the Pediatric Emergency Department
• About non-emergency care

• Orthopaedics Urgent Care Center
• Pediatric Critical Care
• Neonatology