When expert critical care is needed, you can feel confident about the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Children's Hospital at St. Mary's Medical Center. As the only dedicated pediatric emergency department from Orlando to Boca Raton, we provide comprehensive care during medical or trauma-related emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Our mission is to provide the best care for your child as quickly as possible. Specially trained nurses and doctors are available 24 hours a day to care for children with medical problems that cannot wait to be seen by their regular doctor. We know that it can be stressful to have a sick child and we will do everything we can to help families and their children during their emergency department visit.

An attending physician, board certified in emergency medicine, is in the Children's Hospital at St. Mary's(ED) 24 hours a day to handle emergencies, unscheduled visits and consultations that need immediate attention. Our 13-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) has board-certified pediatric intensivists available 24 hours a day also.

The Emergency Department provides care for more than 21,000 emergency visits per year and is the only dedicated pediatric emergency department from Orlando to Boca Raton.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the wait be?   Our staff is trained to determine the severity of each patient’s condition and make sure that those with life-threatening illnesses or injuries are seen first. This is called triage, where a trained nurse assigns a priority to each patient’s condition. Our triage levels are resuscitation, emergent, urgent, less-urgent and non-urgent. This system helps ensure that someone with a life-threatening condition is not kept waiting because they arrived a few minutes after someone with a more routine problem. Whatever your emergency, our goal is for you to be seen as soon as possible.  We recognize that you deserve attention and care, and we will work efficiently to get you in and out in a timely manner.  

Should I bring anything with me?   You may find it helpful to bring a notepad and a pen.  If possible, we encourage parents to bring a record of their child immunizations, medications, and any pertinent medical records. It is important to share with your doctor information on your medical history as well as any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications or vitamin supplements you may be taking.  Write this information on the notepad and have it with you upon admission.  You may also want to use the notepad to take notes during your visit, as you may be given specific instructions.

Can I stay with my child?   We encourage parents to stay with their children throughout the duration of their stay at the Children's Hospital at St. Mary's Medical Center.    

Need a physician?   You can browse our online physician search engine, or to speak with a helpful person who can assist with making a referral to a Children's Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center physician call toll free, 866-571-DOCS.