If you have an emergency, call 911.

The Children’s ER at Renown Children’s Hospital is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With pediatric specialists, child-sized equipment and family-centered care, it’s the first and only facility of its kind in Reno-Tahoe.

The fun atmosphere and vibrant colors help decrease the anxiety that accompanies traumatic emergency situations, making children feel more comfortable during their stay.

When to Go to the Children's ER

  • Allergic reactions
  • Asthma or severe shortage of breath
  • Choking or poisoning
  • Coughing up/vomiting blood

  • Fainting/confusion or seizures
  • Fractures or broken bones
  • Head injuries
  • Severe bleeding

 

Children's ER Care Team

At the Children’s ER at the Children’s Hospital, your child will receive personalized care from dedicated pediatric emergency doctors, pediatric nurses and Child Life Specialists.

Pediatric Emergency Physicians
Dr. Joseph Gassen is the region's first pediatric emergency doctor. He leads the Children’s Hospital’s team of specialized pediatric staff in providing care tailored specifically to kids. He is board-certified in pediatric medicine, with expertise in pediatric head injury/trauma.

Dr. Gassen has taught at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNSOM) in an adjunct faculty position, where he received a number of honors including Pediatric Attending of the Year, Outstanding Hospitalist, and Educator of the Year.

Nurses
Our pediatric nurses are specially trained to treat young patients and make their stay at Renown’s Children’s Hospital as comfortable and stress-free as possible. They are certified in advanced pediatric emergency care and give your child the highest level of support — around the clock. They’re also prepared to discuss your child’s condition and treatment options with you so that you are involved and informed.

Child Life Specialists
Treating children goes far beyond addressing the physical symptoms of an injury or illness. Young patients often experience fear and anxiety. We believe that recovery is easier and quicker when the children receive emotional support in addition to their treatment. That support includes taking care of the family by answering questions and addressing concerns. The Child Life Team will assist in your child's care by:

  • Providing developmentally appropriate information abut medical procedures and events
  • Providing play and coping opportunities
  • Preparing for same-day surgery

 

What to Expect when Visiting the Children’s ER

Upon arrival, a nurse will ask some questions about the child's medical history and the reason for the visit. The nurse will also take the child’s pulse, temperature, blood pressure and breathing rate.

You’ll meet the ER doctor in a children’s treatment room. The doctor will ask more questions and perform another exam. The doctor will talk to you about the illness or injury, and may need to take some lab tests. These usually include blood or urine samples, X-rays or CT scans.

If the doctor ordered tests, he or she will review the results, and then meet with you again to discuss them.

When it’s time to go home, you’ll receive aftercare instructions and will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your child’s primary care doctor.

Please note the treatment you receive in our ER is provided on an emergency basis and is not a substitute for definitive and ongoing medical care. Please see your primary care physician for ongoing evaluation and medical care.