Children's Emergency Center

In an emergency, please call 911.

Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital Children's Emergency Center provides central South Carolina's most technologically advanced pediatric emergency care. 

The Children’s Emergency Center is staffed with doctors and nurses educated, trained and certified in pediatric emergency medicine as well as Child Life Specialists to help children cope with fears. The 13 examination rooms, pediatric resuscitation room and two trauma bays feature customized child-sized technology and equipment. 

Why Choose the Children's Emergency Center?

• Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• The first Level II American College of Surgeons verified Pediatric Trauma Center in South Carolina
• Access to more than 30 pediatric medical subspecialties
• Staffed by nurses board certified in pediatric emergency medicine, led by board certified pediatric emergency medicine physicians and medical director
• Pediatric trauma response team
• Pediatric pharmacy with expertise in dosing for infants and children
• Separate entrance and waiting area just for children and their families
• Child Life team members trained to help reduce anxiety and provide therapeutic diversion

When to Take Your Child to the Children’s Emergency Center

We understand when it comes to little ones, it can be a challenge to determine what situations truly are emergencies. If the situation allows, we recommend that you call your child’s pediatrician, who is most familiar with your child’s health record and can advise you. If you cannot reach your pediatrician, do not take chances – head to the Children's Emergency Center. In an effort to help you, we have listed some warning signs that require immediate action.

Signs and Symptoms of Concern

• Altered consciousness including fainting, seizure, difficulty walking or change in behavior
• Fever (temperature > 100.4) in a baby less than one month old
• Rapid or difficulty breathing
• Severe or persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Bleeding that continues even with pressure after 15 minutes
• An open wound with edges that won’t come together
• Problems with movement or sensation after an injury; an obvious deformity in extremities (arms/legs) that suggest a broken bone
• A stiff neck along with fever and/or headache
• Accidents involving pedestrians or bicycles and cars
• A bulging or sunken fontanel (soft spot on head) in infants
• Falls from any significant height
• Mental health concerns (suicide/violent thoughts/depression)

Location

The Children's Emergency Center is located adjacent to Palmetto Health Richland's Emergency Center at the rear of 5 Richland Medical Park Drive.

More Information