UnityPoint Health - Blank Childrens Hospital Emergency Department
Emergency Care at Blank Children's Hospital
The emergency medicine team at Blank Children's Hospital specializes in meeting the unique needs of children and families during medical emergencies. We are dedicated to caring for babies, children and teens. Our emergency department was the first Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in the state, verified by the American College of Surgeons, and is open 24 hours a day to provide emergency care.
Our team recognizes how stressful an illness or injury can be, not only to your child but also to your family. You know your child best, so we will include you as we assess and treat your child. In addition to doctors and nurses, our team includes social workers and Child Life specialists to help you during your child's emergency. Our goal is to provide the highest level of care during an unplanned and often stressful experience. Our emergency specialists work together with pediatric specialists at Blank Children's Hospital to provide the most comprehensive care possible.
Hours & Directions
Hours of Operation
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Emergency Department Features
- Dedicated hallway for pediatric patients specially designed with colors and images just for kids
- 12 pediatric treatment rooms filled with state-of-the-art technology and more space for families (one room is for isolation situations)
- Private family consultation rooms for physicians to discuss prognosis and outcomes
- Six express care patient areas for pediatric patients who need care in the emergency department but can be assessed quicker to deliver care and better utilize specialty resources
- Specialized Sexual Assault Room that will provide a safe, private space where victims can receive care and the specialized services provided by the Sexual Assault Team
- Transfer Center in-house staffed by trained medical professionals to streamline transfers into our hospitals
- An outpatient pharmacy conveniently located near the emergency department so patients and families can obtain a prescription before they leave the hospital
- CT scanner and imaging located within the emergency department
- Enhanced security measures for patients, families and staff to ensure safety
In addition to providing the best possible medical care, we also provide emotional, spiritual and social support to our patients and families through chaplain services, Child Life specialists, social workers and our volunteers.
Pediatric Level II Trauma Care
Whether it's a broken arm, stitches or a life threatening injury, our highly experienced staff and state-of-the-art technology ensures every child is in good hands. Not only is Blank Children's emergency department designed to specifically care for children ages 0-18 years old, but we're also verified to care for the most serious pediatric trauma cases, ranging from major vehicle accidents to bike injuries. Blank Children's integrated pediatric trauma team brings together surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, radiologists, physician specialists, pediatricians, social workers and Child Life specialists who are specifically trained to treat critically injured children.
Pediatric-Specific Medical Care
In addition to having trained staff readily available to respond to the most critical pediatric traumas, Blank Children's also offers pediatric-specific technology, medical equipment and transport services designed to meet each child's emergency needs. This includes a pediatric intensive care unit, as well as a dedicated Neonatal Transport Team and Pediatric Transport Team with the ability to dispatch by ground in the one-of-a-kind Neonatal & Pediatric Critical Care Ambulance or by air in the LifeFlight helicopter.
Transport Teams
The Blank Children's Neonatal Transport Team features highly-trained and experienced nurses who provide specialized and expert care for ill infants. Care begins with arrival at the referring facility and continues throughout transport and admission to our Regional Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Our team works to stabilize the infant's condition prior to traveling while the nurse is in communication with the neonatologists. Ongoing communication is provided to the parents and referring facility until the family can be reunited with their infant. Under certain circumstances, the mom may be transferred with her infant.
The Blank Children's Pediatric Transport Team features highly-trained and experienced nurses who are available to help in the stabilization and transport of critically-ill or injured patients. The team maintains contact with physicians at Blank Children's Hospital throughout the transport. This provides the opportunity to relay pertinent patient information so the receiving unit is prepared for the child in order to provide the best care possible. Care is compassionate, professional and based on principles of family-centered care as the needs of the family are considered and met with respect and support during these difficult times. Research shows that pediatric patients transported by specialty teams have fewer unplanned events in transport, including less likelihood of an airway issue, cardiopulmonary arrest and loss of intravenous access. The study results also show less likelihood of mortality in patients transported via pediatric specialty teams.
Neonatal & Pediatric Critical Care Ambulance
The Neonatal & Pediatric Critical Care Ambulance is the only one of its kind in the region. It allows for our specialized Neonatal Transport Team and Pediatric Transport Team to bring critical care to infants, children and adolescents across the state. The ambulance offers enough space to transport more than one patient and family members. In emergency situations, the ambulance can operate independently of the engine with a generator for more than 24 hours. The ambulance was made possible by community support and through a leadership gift from Variety - The Children's Charity.
