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Now the best place for your worst case.

We’re level I

Children's - Minneapolis is now the state’s only Level I pediatric trauma center located in a hospital dedicated solely to kids. And, research shows that mortality rates of kids are 2.5 times lower if treated at a dedicated children’s hospital.

We are celebrating our level I pediatric trauma center designation at Children's - Minneapolis by giving you a free T-shirt! Simply fill in the categories below to receive your new T-shirt. One T-shirt per person while supplies last.

 health pros


for-health-professionals

 





For consultation, referral or admission assistance:
Children’s Physician Access
612-343-2121  • 866-755-2121


Connect to transportation via Children's Physician Access

Transport to Children's for any critically ill child is provided to Children's – Minneapolis and Children's – St. Paul from any distance in the Upper Midwest. Neonatal and pediatric transport teams, which operate via ambulance, helicopter or airplane, are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For patients requiring ECMO services
ECMO services are provided for both neonatal and pediatric patients with severe respiratory and/or cardiac insufficiency that is unresponsive to mechanical ventilation and medical therapy. Staff are available 24 hours a day for professional consultation, patient transport or provision of ECMO.
(Note: Available only at Children's – Minneapolis)
ECMO transfer recommendations and criteria

For victims of child abuse and neglect
Children’s collaborates with Midwest Children’s Resource Center on examinations, assessments, interventions, and follow-up care for children who are sexually, physically, or emotionally abused or who are neglected. Call ###-###-####.

Medical education
Children’s offers a pediatric emergency medicine fellowship training program for board-certified pediatricians who want to become board-certified in pediatric emergency medicine. For more information, call our graduate medical education office at 612-813-6206.

Simulation training and continuing education are important components of providing the best emergency care to kids across the region. By providing practice and the latest information about responding to emergencies, health care organizations and health professionals can feel more confident about managing a critical event. Learn more.

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At Children's, patients receive world-class care in innovative, family-centered surroundings. Our emergency departments and trauma centers in Minneapolis and St. Paul are no exception.

childrens---minneapolis

Children's — Minneapolis:
UnitedHealthcare Pediatric Emergency Department and Level I trauma center

2525 Chicago Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-813-6000
Directions and Parking


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Children's — St. Paul:
Peter J. King Pediatric Emergency Department and Level III trauma center

345 N. Smith Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-220-6000
Directions and Parking


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expect

What to expect during your emergency room visit

Our staff understands how stressful an emergency visit can be, and we will do our best to reduce anxiety for you and your child.

What happens when we arrive at the emergency department?
• You will sign in your child at the front desk.

• Within a short time, a nurse will call your child's name for a brief evaluation.

• Please be ready to share your child's story and what has led you to the emergency department.

• A nurse will check your child's symptoms, listen to his/her heart and lungs, and ask questions to
  evaluate your child's illness or injury.

• Even if your primary doctor called ahead, your child will still need to be checked in by a nurse.

When will we be seen by a doctor or nurse practitioner?
• Children are not always seen in the order they arrive.

• A child who arrives after your child may be more ill or injured, even though it may not be
  noticeable to you.

• A stoplight near the check-in desk shows the approximate wait time to be brought to an exam room:

stoplight


Red: Greater than 2 hours

Yellow:  1-2 hours
Green: Less than 1 hour

• Wait times may change without notice.

• Please be assured that we will be with you and your child as soon as possible.

Why are we waiting?
We know the wait can be frustrating and appreciate your patience. Many things can affect wait times:

• Another child's condition may change and require immediate attention.

• Other children may be arriving by ambulance.

• Children may need to wait in an exam room until they are admitted to the hospital for further care.

What should we do while we wait?
• Stay in the waiting area until a nurse asks you to come to an exam room.

• Eating or drinking may delay tests so please do not allow your child to eat or drink until he/she
  has been seen by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

• If your child's condition changes while you are waiting, please inform the staff.

What will happen when we are taken to an exam room?
• Someone from our staff will get your contact and insurance information.

• A nurse will recheck your child and prepare him/her to see a doctor or nurse practitioner.

• Sometimes you may need to wait until the doctor or nurse practitioner is available.

• A doctor or nurse practitioner will examine your child and determine the plan of care.

• If your child needs to stay at the hospital, our staff will explain the next steps.

What resources are available?
• Language interpreters - available 24 hours a day

• Child life specialists - to help relieve anxiety by explaining what's happening in children's terms
  or using distracting activities

• Social workers - to help you get information about other resources

These services are offered free of charge to you. Let our staff know if you would like to use any of them while here at Children's.

Preparing for your visit
The best time to prepare for an emergency is before it happens. Here are some suggestions:

• Be ready to provide important health information, including insurance; your primary doctor and other doctors' names and contact information, immunizations and past medical history, allergies and medications, and a chronological sequence of events leading to your child's ER visit. You may be asked this information several times during your visit.

• Look for an opportunity to drive by Children's Hospitals in Minneapolis or St. Paul with your kids one day. Casually point out that this building might be where you would come if your child ever needed a doctor right away, like if they fell out of a tree and hurt their arm.

• If time permits, bring items to keep your child occupied and comfortable. Bring books, electronic games, and comforting items such as a blankie or favorite toy. Pack drinks and snacks, but always check with your nurse or doctor first before feeding your child.

• If you think there's a chance that your child might have to be admitted to the hospital, you may want to grab a change of clothes and toothbrushes for you and your child.

In the event of an emergency, keep calm and communicate well with your child about what might be happening. Reassure your child that the doctors and nurses have taken care of many, many kids and are there to help.


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Emergency and trauma services home

team

meet-the-team emergency-room
Our emergency departments and trauma centers are staffed 24 hours a day by board-eligible or board-certified pediatric emergency physicians, nurse practitioners and by nurses with specialized education in pediatric and emergency medicine. And child life staff trained in child development help children prepare for procedures, deal with anxiety, and help control pain.

Plus, at our Level I pediatric trauma center in Minneapolis, we have 24/7 in-house pediatric surgeon, pediatric critical care intensivists, pediatric emergency medicine physicians, neonatologist, and pediatricians. We also have 24/7 availability of physicians with pediatric board-certification in neurosurgery, orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, ophthalmology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and many other specialists.

 leadership


meleaMelea Anderson
RN, CNP, DNP Director of trauma services

MSN/PNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – University of Minnesota School of Nursing
DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice – University of Minnesota

hirschmanDavid Hirschman, MD
Associate Trauma Medical Director

University of Minnesota Medical School
Residencies: Pediatrics – University of Minnesota School of Medicine
Emergency Medicine – Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis


kreykesNathaniel Kreykes, MD
Trauma Medical Director

University of Minnesota Medical School
Residencies: General Surgery – University of Minnesota
Pediatric Surgery – University of Oklahoma


sicoliRobert Sicoli, MD
Co-medical director of emergency department

University of Buffalo School of Medicine
Residencies: Pediatrics – Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Cleveland
Emergency Medicine, Pediatric – Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

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