Young children (especially under age 5) in Canada frequently visit emergency departments for injuries and illnesses. Injury is a leading cause of death and morbidity in this age group, with falls, burns, poisoning, choking/suffocation, and drowning among the top causes of hospitalizations and deaths (Canadian Paediatric Society data, 2018–2023). Common medical issues include fever, respiratory distress (bronchiolitis, croup, asthma), dehydration from gastroenteritis, seizures, and allergic reactions.
This guide draws from Canadian sources including the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) Caring for Kids, CHEO, Canadian Red Cross first aid guidance, and provincial emergency department advice. It is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care or certified first aid training. Always call 911 for life-threatening situations. In non-emergencies, call your provincial health line (811 in most provinces) or your doctor. For poisoning, call 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) (routes to your local centre; Quebec uses 1-800-463-5060).
When in doubt, seek care promptly—especially for infants under 3 months.
1. Fever in Infants Under 3 Months
Rectal temperature ≥38°C (100.4°F).
Action: Seek emergency care immediately—babies this young can deteriorate quickly. Do not wait for other symptoms. Acetaminophen only if advised by a professional.
2. High or Prolonged Fever (Older Infants/Toddlers)
Fever >72 hours, or with lethargy, stiff neck, rash that looks like bruises, or difficulty waking.
Action: Give age/weight-appropriate acetaminophen or ibuprofen (ibuprofen only ≥6 months) for comfort. Encourage fluids. Go to ED if child is very sleepy, irritable, or has other red-flag symptoms.
3. Severe Breathing Difficulty / Respiratory Distress
Fast breathing, retractions (skin pulling in between ribs), nasal flaring, grunting, pale/blue lips, or working hard to breathe. Common with bronchiolitis (RSV), pneumonia.
Action: Call 911. Keep child calm and upright if possible. Do not force food/drink. Offer fluids if tolerated.
4. Bronchiolitis (Often RSV)
Common in babies <1 year: cough, wheezing, trouble breathing, fever.
Action: Supportive care—fluids, rest, saline drops + bulb suction for congestion. Seek care for poor feeding, dehydration, or increasing distress. Most recover at home; some need hospital oxygen/support.
5. Croup
Barking “seal-like” cough, hoarse voice, stridor (noisy breathing in), often worse at night.
Action: Stay calm; take child into cool night air for 10–15 minutes or sit in a steamy bathroom. If no improvement or stridor at rest/retractions, go to ED. Steroids are often given in care settings.
6. Asthma or Wheezing Not Responding to Medication
Wheezing, tightness, not improving with usual puffers.
Action: Follow the child’s action plan (usually blue reliever via spacer). If no improvement after doses or severe distress, call 911/go to ED.
7. Choking (Airway Obstruction)
Especially high risk under age 1 (food, toys, small objects).
Action (infant <1 year): 5 firm back blows between shoulder blades, then 5 chest thrusts (two fingers on lower half of breastbone). Repeat. Call 911 early.
Action (child ≥1 year): Alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich). If unresponsive, start CPR. Never do blind finger sweeps.
8. Suffocation / Bed-Related Issues (Infants)
Leading cause of injury death under age 1.
Action: Safe sleep—alone, on back, in crib (no pillows, blankets, soft bedding). If found unresponsive, call 911 and start CPR.
9. Drowning / Near-Drowning
Leading cause of injury death ages 1–4.
Action: Call 911. Remove from water, check breathing. Start CPR if needed. Even after recovery, seek medical evaluation (secondary drowning risk). Prevention: constant supervision, barriers around water.
10. Falls (Leading Cause of Hospitalization)
Head injuries, fractures, or soft-tissue trauma.
Action: For head injury—monitor for loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, confusion, severe headache, or unusual sleepiness → ED. Immobilize suspected fractures; apply ice; seek care for deformity or inability to use limb.
11. Head Injury
After fall or impact.
Action: Call 911 if unconscious, seizing, or severe symptoms. Otherwise monitor closely for 24–48 hours. Seek care for persistent vomiting, worsening headache, or behaviour change.
12. Burns and Scalds
Hot liquids, surfaces, or fire (common hospitalization cause).
Action: Cool under clean cool running water for 10–20 minutes. Do not use ice, butter, or ointments initially. Cover loosely with clean non-stick dressing. Seek ED for burns larger than a loonie, blistering, facial/hand/genital burns, or chemical/electrical burns.
13. Poisoning / Ingestion
Medications, cleaners, button batteries, cannabis, plants—common in toddlers.
Action: Call Poison Control immediately (1-844-POISON-X). Do not induce vomiting unless instructed. Bring the product/container. Call 911 if unconscious, seizing, or not breathing.
14. Dehydration from Vomiting/Diarrhea (Gastroenteritis)
Dry mouth, no tears, fewer wet diapers (<4 in 24h for infants, <3 for older), lethargy, sunken eyes.
Action: Oral rehydration solution in small frequent sips. Continue breastfeeding. Seek care if unable to keep fluids down >8 hours, bloody stools, or signs of severe dehydration (especially <3–6 months).
15. Persistent Vomiting
Especially green/bilious, bloody, or with severe abdominal pain.
Action: Clear fluids in small amounts. ED if prolonged, signs of dehydration, or concerning features (especially infants).
16. Seizures (Including Febrile)
Common with rapid fever rise in 6 months–5 years.
Action: Protect from injury (clear area, do not restrain or put anything in mouth). Time the seizure. Call 911 if >5 minutes, first seizure, repeated, or child does not recover quickly. Place in recovery position once it stops.
17. Anaphylaxis / Severe Allergic Reaction
Swelling of face/lips/tongue, hives with breathing difficulty, vomiting, pale/floppy.
Action: Use epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) immediately into outer thigh if available. Call 911. Lay child flat (or sit if breathing easier). Second dose if no improvement after 5–15 minutes.
18. Cuts / Bleeding That Won’t Stop or May Need Stitches
Action: Apply firm direct pressure with clean cloth. Elevate if possible. Seek care for deep, gaping, or facial wounds, or bleeding that continues after 10–15 minutes of pressure.
19. Suspected Fractures or Dislocations
Swelling, deformity, inability to use limb, severe pain.
Action: Immobilize as found. Ice (wrapped). Do not attempt to straighten. Seek ED care.
20. Eye Injuries
Chemical splash, foreign body, trauma.
Action: Flush chemicals with clean water for 15+ minutes. Do not rub. Cover both eyes loosely if trauma. Seek urgent care.
21. Severe Abdominal Pain
Especially with vomiting, fever, or lethargy.
Action: Do not give food/drink if severe. Seek ED evaluation (possible appendicitis, intussusception, etc.).
22. Rash with Fever Looking Like Tiny or Expanding Bruises (Purpura)
Possible serious bacterial infection (e.g., meningococcemia).
Action: Emergency care immediately.
23. Altered Level of Consciousness / Extreme Lethargy
Difficult to wake, confusion, or unusual behaviour.
Action: Call 911. Check blood sugar if diabetic. Protect airway.
24. Button Battery or Magnet Ingestion
Can cause severe internal injury quickly.
Action: Call Poison Control / go to ED immediately—do not wait for symptoms.
25. Hypothermia or Frostbite (Cold Weather)
Shivering progressing to confusion/drowsiness; pale/hard/numb skin.
Action: Move indoors, remove wet clothing, warm core gently (blankets). Rewarm frostbite in lukewarm water (not hot, do not rub). Call 911 for severe cases.
General Prevention Tips for Canadian Families
- Safe sleep, constant water supervision, childproofing (poisons locked up, outlet covers, stair gates).
- Age-appropriate car seats/boosters.
- First aid/CPR training (Canadian Red Cross Child Care First Aid recommended).
- Keep Poison Control and 911 numbers handy.
- Vaccinate (including RSV prevention where available) and practice hand hygiene.
Parents know their child best. Trust your instincts—if something feels seriously wrong, seek help without delay. For personalized advice, consult your healthcare provider or provincial resources such as Caring for Kids (CPS) or your local children’s hospital. Stay prepared and stay safe.
