Step Inside the Children’s ER

See it and learn about pediatric emergency physicians

About our expert

Pediatric emergency physician Amy Dunn, D.O., cares for 8-year-old Dylan of Zionsville.

Peek inside the region’s first ER built just for kids

Comfort—That’s what child-life specialist Lisa Kelly (left) provides children like 3-year-old Georgia of Allentown. Kelly helps children cope with the fear associated with a hospital visit.

“Cool”—Nicole, 5, of Macungie (left) and Taylor, 6, of Zionsville, play with one of the interactive video displays, which are located in the waiting room and treatment area.

Caring—Mike Perrucci and his wife, Christine, of Bethlehem, are parents of two young children who have received outpatient care at Lehigh Valley Health Network. They support the Children’s ER. “Our community’s children deserve this level of care,” Mike Perrucci says.

Children are not little adults. They have unique medical needs. And while no one enjoys a visit to the emergency room (ER), the anxiety and stress children experience there may stay with them for a long time. At the region’s only Children’s ER in Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, children receive the specialized emergency care they need in a kid-friendly environment. Here’s a look inside.

Ask Our Expert

• What Is a Pediatric Emergency Physician?
• What education does a pediatric emergency physician receive?
• How is caring for a child different than caring for an adult?

Q: What Is a Pediatric Emergency Physician?

A: A pediatric emergency physician specializes in caring for children and teens who need immediate medical help. We received special education to care for children with a wide range of problems, some of which may be serious or life-threatening.

Q: What education does a pediatric emergency physician receive?

A: Pediatric emergency physicians attend medical school for at least four years. We then participate in a pediatric residency for at least three years. That’s when we treat children who need specialized care for problems with their heart, lungs, nervous system or digestive system, for example. We then have at least two years of fellowship training. That’s when we work in the ER and learn about things like trauma and dental care, poison control, anesthesia, plastic surgery and more. This education prepares us for any patient who comes through the ER doors.

Q: How is caring for a child different than caring for an adult?

A: There are many differences. For example, the dose of medication children need varies depending on their weight. There also are variables you have to consider when a child needs to be sedated. However, the greatest difference is the attention children and their families need. We remove the “fear factor” by taking the time to talk to children and their parents about what will happen next. We also know how to distract children during a procedure. I once saw a child fall asleep while she was receiving stitches because the staff did such a good job calming her down.

Next Step: Learn more about the Children’s ER at childrenser.com.

This page last updated 4/26/11 11:17 AM