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Are You Prepared for Life's Emergencies? How your child fares in an emergency depends on the plans you make today. With preparation, "you can cover all your bases and save lives," advises Jonathan Marr, M.D., Kapi'olani pediatric emergency physician. "These are the tools and information you need to have at your fingertips should an emergency arise." S ave records of immunizations and medical conditions. A ddress medications by knowing their names and dosages. Also, be aware of what medications are in the house where a child lives (for grandma, grandpa, etc.) in case a youngster takes someone else's medicine. V alidate phone numbers to call for an emergency. Not all areas have 911. E nhance your house address so emergency crews can find you. L ist allergies and drug reactions so emergency treatment will not cause harm. I nstruct children in how to call and speak to emergency workers. V erify insurance coverage for emergencies. E ducate yourself with first-aid classes. S tock first-aid supplies, including a thermometer to take your child's temperature. Be aware that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are NOT safe for children under age 2 and should be used with caution in children between ages 2 and 6, according to the Federal Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control. Jonathan Marr, M.D. When to Go to the ER Is it time for your child to go to the hospital? In most cases, Dr. Marr says, "Parents will intuitively know." The reasons include: Trouble breathing Chest or abdominal pain or pressure Repeated vomiting or diarrhea Convulsions or seizures, especially when fever is present Lethargy and persistent fussiness In an Emergency, Your Child Needs Hawaii's Only Pediatric ER Physicians All emergency rooms are staffed by emergency specialists, but no other hospital in Hawaii except Kapi'olani has board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physicians. This is important because the special medical needs of newborns to young adults up to age 21 are best served by pediatric-trained specialists, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. All emergency rooms are not created equal. Your child is still growing and developing, which is a vital factor in proper diagnosis and treatment. The unique expertise of Kapi'olani's team ensures that your son or daughter receives the most appropriate pediatric care -- not just downsized adult care. "We see these pediatric conditions and injuries all the time, so we can often begin treatment sooner," says Dr. Marr. "Pediatric ERs are rare. Only about 25 percent of ERs across the country have access to pediatric emergency physicians around the clock." Here in Hawaii, Kapi'olani ensures that this specialty care -- including the state's only pediatric transport team -- is available to your family any time of the day or night.