MercyOne Des Moines Pediatrics Emergency Care

You can’t predict when your child might have an emergency – but should it happen, we’ll be here.

MercyOne has the expertise in caring for pediatric patients of all ages, from infants to adolescents. With the highest standards of emergency care, our specially trained pediatric emergency nurses and board-certified physicians stand ready and fully-equipped to care for Iowa’s children.

Because no matter your child’s emergency, if you need us, we are committed to making your kids, and you, feel better 24/7.

• Verified as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons
• Twelve kid-friendly treatment rooms, staffed by trained pediatric nurses and board-certified physicians 24/7
• Immediate consultations available 24/7 from anesthesia, neonatology and pediatric intensive care
• 24/7 access to some of central Iowa’s only pediatric sub-specialists in behavioral health, cardiology, craniofacial, gastroenterology, general surgery, neurology, orthopedics, urology and more
• Dedicated pediatric transport team for ground and air ambulance transfers available 24/7
• Access to child life specialists available 10 hours a day
• Improved patient flow to reduce wait times

When should I take my child to Pediatrics Emergency Care instead of their pediatrician?

Parents and child caregivers should have CPR and first aid training in case of an emergency. Here are some warning signs to help determine if a trip to the emergency department or a call to 911 is necessary.

Child is/has:

• A change in mental status (such as confusion or difficulty waking)
• Bleeding that won’t stop after 15 minutes of applying pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainted or lost consciousness
• High fever that won’t go away (102.5 degrees F or higher)
• Severe or persistent diarrhea or blood in stools
• Severe or persistent vomiting or vomiting blood
• Sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision
• Wounds (puncture wounds, a gaping wound with edges that won’t come together, wounds to the head or hands)