Call 911 if your child needs medical attention right away and you can’t safely drive to the hospital.

The pediatric emergency room at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital is a Level 1 trauma and surgery center that treats only children. That means we offer the highest-quality care and treat the most complex cases.

We are open 24/7. You don’t need an appointment.

When to go to the ER

Babies and children need emergency care for severe injuries, serious illnesses or life-threatening conditions.

These are some signs your child may need emergency care:

• The inside of the mouth is blue.
• They’re having trouble breathing.
• They haven’t urinated (peed) in 8 hours.
• They aren’t taking in or holding down fluids.
• They’re slow to move or act.
• You’re having trouble waking them up.

How to prepare

You can prepare for an emergency by filling out Doernbecher’s consent form. Leave a copy with your babysitter, day care center or caregiver. They can bring the form so your child can get emergency medical care.

Complete care for children

We know how stressful an emergency can be for you, your child and your family. You know your child’s needs best. That’s why we include you in decisions about your child’s care.

The Doernbecher ER is a Level 1 trauma and surgery center, the top level possible. Our emergency team is trained to treat children with severe injuries or illnesses. We’ve met the highest standards for safety and outcomes set by the American College of Surgeons.

We offer:

• Full access to Doernbecher, with any test or scan your child needs
• More children’s specialists than anywhere in Oregon
• Coordinated care with primary care doctors and specialists
• Interpreters
• Social workers to support you and your child

When you arrive

A staff member will bring you and your child to a secure waiting area for children with toys, video games and a TV tuned to children’s shows. A parent or guardian must remain with children under 15. 

A nurse trained in pediatric emergency care will ask you about your child’s health and any medications given in the past 24 hours. The nurse will also check your child’s heart rate, oxygen level and temperature.

We will move you and your child to a room as soon as possible to see a doctor and start care.

Sometimes children need to stay in the ER overnight. Rooms have recliners so parents can be comfortable.

If your child needs to be treated in Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, an ER doctor will oversee admission.

Pediatric emergency team

Our team includes doctors who are board-certified in pediatric emergency medicine or emergency medicine, with additional training in treating children. All of our highly qualified nurses are certified in pediatric advanced life support and emergency nursing.