Most parents or caregivers have been there at one point, your child is sick or injured and you’re not sure if you should take them to the emergency room. An online tool from Alberta Health Services (AHS) aims to answer that questions and help parents manage common childhood illnesses and injuries that don’t require treatment in an emergency department.
“The HEAL (Health Education and Learning) website aims to provide families across Alberta with easily accessible, accurate information about influenza, croup, coughs, common colds, ear pain, nosebleeds, head injuries, vomiting and diarrhea, fever, febrile seizures and rashes,” an AHS press release stated. “The website includes a detailed description of the illness or injury, symptoms, treatment and advice on when to seek immediate medical attention.”
Videos on the site help parents know what to expect when coming to a hospital with their child and share information about the care staff in the emergency department.
The information is available in a mobile-friendly format so parents and families can access it from any device.
HEAL is also connected with the Know Your Options campaign, an AHS initiative that informs Albertans about the various healthcare options in their communities and provides accurate information on how to get the right care in the right place, according to the release.
For more information, or to discuss health concerns, parents in Alberta can also call 811 to speak to a registered nurse for health advice and information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca for resources and information on many health topics.
