Pediatric Emergency Medicine

All of Essentia’s hospitals offer high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages.

In Duluth, Minnesota, pediatric patients benefit from specialized emergency care provided at St. Mary’s Medical Center. This hospital has been verified by the American College of Surgeons as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center.

The ER at St. Mary’s has a dedicated pediatric wing with a kid-friendly waiting area and exam rooms. This area is part of St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital and is staffed by medical professionals, including pediatric emergency medicine doctors, who have specialized skills in caring for kids.

What’s a Pediatric Emergency Doctor?

A pediatric emergency medicine doctor is a pediatrician with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of children and teens who are acutely ill or injured.

When Should I Go to the Emergency Room?

Go to the emergency room (ER) if you or a loved one has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.

No Appointment Necessary Services

If you need immediate care, but your condition is not life threatening, Essentia offers many services that do not require an appointment, including:

• E-Visits – Online visits for more than 20 conditions. Receive a diagnosis and treatment plan for just $30.
• Convenient Care – Walk-in care for minor illnesses and injuries that do not require lab or imaging services.
• Urgent Care & Walk-in Clinics – Walk-in care for minor illnesses and injuries that do require lab or imaging services.
• 7 Day Clinics – Walk-in care for minor illnesses and injuries. All 7 Day Clinics have lab services, including blood draw. Not all locations offer X-ray.

During regular business hours, you can also call your primary care provider with questions or to see if a same-day appointment is available.

Choosing the right type of care can save you time and money. If you’re an Essentia patient, and you’re not sure where to go, call our Nurse Care Line.

What to Expect

In all of our ERs, the most ill or hurt patients are seen first, regardless of when they arrive.  As a result, wait times may vary. When you arrive:

• We’ll asses your child’s condition and needs and get you registered.
• We’ll ask about your child’s medical conditions, medications, and other questions that can help us with treatment.
• You’ll be taken to an exam room or waiting room.
• Once roomed, you’ll see one or many providers. Your team may include a nurse, a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, emergency doctor, specialists, pharmacists, and technicians.
• Our providers will often work with you to decide what approach for an exam or procedure will be most successful with your child.
• If available, a child life specialist may help work with your child to help ease any anxiety they may be experiencing.

If Your Child is Admitted

Sometimes, your child’s ER doctor may recommend that they be admitted to the hospital or transferred to another facility to receive additional care.