Pediatric emergency care
One size fits all doesn't work in emergency care, especially when it comes to kids. They need oxygen masks and other equipment sized just for them. They also need healthcare providers who know the right dose of medication for a child—and the right words to coax a smile.
Each of our emergency departments in Naperville, Plainfield and Elmhurst provide specialized care for our youngest patients.
Pediatric ER
Edward's Emergency Department (ED) is recognized as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP). And, Edward Hospital is one of only 10 Pediatric Critical Care Centers (PCCC) in Illinois - offering the highest level of care available.
We were the first pediatric ED in DuPage County (opened in 2000) and have treated hundreds of thousands of children. We're staffed by physicians who are board-certified in pediatrics and emergency medicine, and pediatric nurses who've been trained to treat kids. Our Pediatric ED also has family-friendly rooms and equipment designed for their sizes, shapes and needs.
For added peace of mind, Edward’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is available for children who need critical care, and its Level III Newborn Intensive Care Unit, the highest level possible in Illinois, provides specialized care for the sickest and most fragile newborns.
Child life specialists are available to comfort children and teens being treated. They help young patients relax, prepare them for treatment and teach them how to cope.
Not sure what type of care your child needs for different symptoms and conditions? Visit our family resources page to get information about common pediatric issues, such as fever, asthma and concussions, and how we can help.
Meet our pediatric emergency medicine physicians
Kid-friendly ERs
Both the Elmhurst Hospital ED and the Edward Plainfield ED are kid-friendly and ready to focus on the unique needs of children. The Elmhurst ED is state-recognized as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP). And, the Plainfield ED is led and staffed by the team who operates Edward's Naperville ED. Open around-the-clock, both EDs are staffed with board-certified emergency medicine doctors and certified emergency nurses. Each ED provides streamlined care and is furnished with child-sized equipment and kid-friendly waiting areas.
Information for physicians referring to the Plainfield Kid-friendly ER
When inpatient care is needed
Should your child’s condition require hospitalization, including pediatric intensive care, both the Edward Plainfield ED and the Elmhurst ED have transport services available. The Plainfield ED has a transport team on site 24/7 to transfer children to the Naperville campus. Elmhurst Hospital also transfers pediatric patients (infants through age 11) requiring hospital admission for basic pediatric inpatient care or a higher level of care to Edward Hospital’s Inpatient Pediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Naperville via private ambulance. The transport team is trained in pediatrics as well as adult transports.
Children and teens, ages 12-17, who are treated in the Emergency Department or have undergone outpatient surgery at Elmhurst Hospital and need to be admitted to the hospital, will continue to receive inpatient care at Elmhurst on an adult inpatient unit.
View ED locations