What is pediatric critical care?
Pediatric critical care is a hospital-based pediatric specialty that treats critically ill or injured children. The team of specialists at South Counties Pediatric Critical Care Medical Group received advanced training to diagnose and treat unstable, life-threatening conditions in infants, children, and teens.
When your child is critically ill, they require ongoing medical care and monitoring in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The pediatric critical care physicians at South Counties Pediatric Critical Care Medical Group coordinate your child’s care while in the PICU, working with a team of doctors, nurses, and other health care specialists to help your child recover from their serious medical condition.
What conditions require pediatric critical care?
If your child is suffering from an unstable, life-threatening injury or illness, they may require pediatric critical care. Some of the critical pediatric conditions the team at South Counties Pediatric Critical Care Medical Group manages include:
- Severe asthma attacks
- Diabetes-related complications
- Life-threatening injuries (car accident, bicycle accident)
- Near-drowning
- Severe infections
- Respiratory failure
Your child may also require pediatric critical care after major surgery.
What happens during pediatric critical care?
The specifics of your child’s pediatric critical care may depend on the underlying cause of their instability. However, you can expect:
- Comprehensive monitoring of your child
- Close supervision if your child is on a respirator
- Management of medication and recommended treatment
- Placement of catheters
- Referrals to specialists
- Comfort and kindness
The pediatric critical care specialists at South Counties Pediatric Critical Care Medical Group understand the rollercoaster of emotions you feel when your child is critically ill, and they do everything they can to ensure your child receives the best care possible.
Once your child is stable, the team may transfer your child to the regular pediatric unit for continued care and monitoring by the inpatient pediatric specialists at South Counties Pediatric Critical Care Medical Group. Then, once medically stable, the team discharges your child home and refers care back to your child’s primary care physician.
South Counties Pediatric Critical Care Medical Group specializes in the care of hospitalized children, including those requiring critical care. To learn more about pediatric critical care, call the office to speak with a team member.
