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Featured Care Areas
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When your child is sick or injured, it's natural for you to worry. Should you call the emergency services or wait to see your GP? Are you overreacting or not doing enough? Here are 9 occasions and warning signs you should proceed to the Urgent Care Centre (UCC):
Itching, redness of skin or red bumps is a usual manifestation of allergy which is generally not dangerous in itself. However, a severe allergic reaction can be fatal if treatment is delayed. Watch out for:
If this is the first time your child shows asthma symptoms, or if they have a history of asthma but your usual medication is not relieving the symptoms:
It is normal for children to be less active or irritable during a spike of fever but this is temporary and improves when the fever comes down. Bring your child to the UCC if you see these signs:
Choking requires an immediate first-aid response.
In most cases it can simply be a throat irritation, and in a third of cases the symptoms disappear without finding a cause. However, you need to visit the UCC to ensure the bleeding is not due to a dangerous cause. Even a teaspoon of blood can be a medical emergency.
In non-emergency cases, always consult your GP, no matter how mild the symptoms may have been. Call an ambulance if your child:
It's not always easy to tell if it's a break or a sprain. Bring your child to the UCC:
Visit the UCC, even if there is no external wound, if your child:
Never give ibuprofen for pain as this can increase bleeding. Get your child to the UCC if a bleeding cut:
If your child's condition isn't life threatening, such as a cold or a minor injury or small burn, a visit to your GP or a 24-hour clinic will get them the care they need without putting unnecessary strain on the emergency services.
But, ultimately, you know your child, and if you feel something is very wrong, don't delay. Bring your child to the UCC or call an ambulance for immediate medical attention.
During a medical emergency in Singapore, you can also call +65 6473 2222 for an ambulance that will transport you to the nearest hospital or a hospital of your choice. Learn more about Parkway Emergency services.