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Expert Emergency Care, Designed Just for Children

Pediatric Emergency Care with Dr. Charles Eldridge

Learn More About Emergency Care

If your child is sick or injured, you may need to take them to the emergency room.

Lakeland Regional Health has a dedicated Children’s Emergency Department, meaning expert care, tailored to children, is accessible right in our community.

When to Choose the ER for Your Child

“Our job is to help take care of kids,” explains Dr. Charles Eldridge, a pediatric emergency physician at Lakeland Regional Health. “If a parent is worried their child does not seem well, for example, if they are having difficulty breathing, they are dehydrated, or they are not acting like their normal self, those are all reasons to head straight to the Emergency Room.”

Certain emergent conditions require attention at the Emergency Room. Some of these emergent conditions include issues such as severe breathing problems, head injuries, severe cuts or burns, allergic reactions, dehydration, and severe pain. For families in Polk County, Lakeland Regional Health offers the only dedicated Children’s Emergency Department, with specialized staff and resources just for kids.

ELDRIGE (1)

Charles Eldridge, MD

Emergency Medicine - Pediatrics

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Expert Care Designed for Children

At LRH’s Children’s Emergency Department, care is provided by physicians, nurses, and staff specifically trained in pediatrics. This means they are skilled in recognizing and treating conditions unique to children and treating them in ways that prioritize comfort and safety.

“We have a fantastic team of pediatric-trained physicians and nurses, along with child life specialists and pediatric subspecialists,” says Dr. Eldridge. “We’re able to treat everything from minor injuries such as bumps and bruises to more severe injuries such as broken bones, concussions, asthma exacerbations, and pediatric trauma. Families can trust their child is in the right place.”

The environment and approach are designed to make children feel more comfortable to ease their pain and fear. Team members use kid-friendly techniques and equipment, from topical numbing gels for stitches to gentle sedation techniques, to make the experience as calm and pain-free as possible.

Fast and Coordinated Care

According to Dr. Eldridge, LRH’s pediatric emergency team works very quickly and efficiently. “We pride ourselves on being fast but thorough and try to get in to see our patients as quickly as we can,” he says.

If a doctor thinks a child needs to be admitted, a discussion includes the care team and the family. The team also coordinates care with pediatricians and subspecialists in areas such as cardiology, neurology, or pediatric orthopedics, to provide seamless, comprehensive care.

Helping Families Prepare for Emergencies
While emergencies can’t always be prevented, Dr. Eldridge encourages families to always be mindful of bicycle safety, car safety, and water safety. Protections such as helmets, seatbelts, pool fencing, and other safety protocols can go a long way in preventing injuries. He also recommends parents keep a list of their child’s current medical conditions, medications, and allergies. This will help the ER team provide the safest care quickly.

At the heart of the Children’s Emergency Department is a commitment to compassionate, specialized care designed for children.

“We have a dedicated team who love what they do,” says Dr. Eldridge. “They work hard, they care deeply about their patients, and they are committed to helping children.”

Interested in Emergency Care at LRH?
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