Children's Emergency in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
Emergency care for children, day and night
The emergency department at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah cares for babies, children and teenagers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A child who becomes suddenly unwell or is injured can be brought straight in at any hour, and the team is used to caring for young patients around the clock.
Children experience illness in their own way, and they show it differently from adults. The team assesses and treats a child's sudden illness or injury, keeps the child as calm and comfortable as possible, and explains each step to the parents. A familiar parent nearby is one of the best comforts a frightened child has, so parents stay involved throughout, from the first assessment to the moment the child goes home or moves on to further care.
When to bring a child to the emergency department
Some signs in a child mean it is time to come straight to the emergency department, at any hour. Bring a child in, or call an ambulance, for:
- Difficulty breathing, fast breathing, or a child who is working hard to breathe
- A fit or seizure
- A high fever together with drowsiness, or a rash that stays visible when pressed
- A baby or child who is floppy, very sleepy, or hard to wake
- Signs of dehydration, such as very few wet nappies, a dry mouth, or sunken eyes
- Persistent vomiting, especially in a baby, or vomiting alongside a swollen or painful tummy
- A serious injury, a deep wound, or a suspected broken bone
- Severe pain that stays despite comfort
- A baby under three months with a fever
Children can become unwell quickly and recover quickly too, so acting early is the safe choice. When any of the signs above appear, bring the child in, and for the most serious of them, call an ambulance so treatment begins on the way.
When a GP or clinic appointment suits better
Plenty of childhood illnesses settle at home or suit a calm, booked clinic appointment far more than a busy emergency department. A clinic gives a doctor time to examine a child properly and arrange any follow-up, which is the better setting for a problem that has been building over days.
A GP or clinic appointment is usually the better route when a child is:
- Running a mild fever while still playing, drinking and settling to sleep
- Coping with a common cold, a cough, or a sore throat while breathing comfortably
- Showing a mild rash while otherwise well and content
- Getting over a minor bump, scrape or graze
- Due a review of a long-standing complaint, or a repeat prescription
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah the emergency department is kept ready for what is urgent, so choosing a clinic for these calmer problems means a child is seen in a quieter place with more time to spare. For anything sudden, severe, or getting worse, the emergency department remains the right choice at any hour.
How the team keeps a child comfortable
Much of children's emergency care is about keeping a young patient calm while the important work happens. The team works at a child's pace where it is safe to, uses simple words a child understands, and lets a parent stay close to hold a hand or offer a favourite toy. A settled child is easier to examine, and the picture the team gets is clearer for it.
Care is matched to age and size, from a newborn to a teenager, and a child who is seriously unwell is treated as a genuine emergency and seen straight away. Where a child needs fluids, breathing support, pain relief or tests, these are arranged as gently as the situation allows, with the reason explained to the parents as things move along. Depending on what is found, a child may be treated and sent home with clear instructions, kept for a while for observation, referred to a specialist, or admitted for further care.
Trusting a parent's judgement
A parent knows their child better than anyone, and that knowledge matters in an emergency. A parent who senses that something is seriously wrong is right to act on it and bring the child in, even in the small hours and even where the signs are hard to put into words. The team welcomes worried parents warmly and takes that instinct seriously.
Where a child looks seriously unwell, it is always reasonable to head straight to the emergency department at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Is the emergency department open 24 hours for children?
Yes. Children's emergency care at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays. A baby, child or teenager who becomes suddenly unwell or injured can be brought straight in at any hour.
Do I need an appointment to bring my child in?
No appointment or referral is needed for the emergency department. For a child who is seriously unwell or injured, come straight in, and the team will assess the child on arrival.
My child has a fever but is still playing and drinking. What should I do?
A child with a mild fever who is still playing, drinking and settling to sleep is often well suited to a GP or clinic appointment, where a doctor has time to examine them calmly. Bring a child straight to the emergency department if the fever comes with drowsiness, a rash that stays visible when pressed, difficulty breathing, or a baby under three months has any fever.
When should I call an ambulance for my child?
Call an ambulance for a child who has serious difficulty breathing, a fit or seizure, who is floppy or very hard to wake, or who has a serious injury. In these situations an ambulance crew begins treatment on the way and lets the emergency department know the child is coming.
What if I am worried but unsure how serious it is?
A parent's instinct that something is wrong is taken seriously, and the team welcomes worried parents at any hour. Trust that judgement and bring your child in.
Can I stay with my child the whole time?
Yes. Parents stay involved throughout, from the first assessment onward, because a familiar face helps a child stay calm. The team explains each step to you and keeps you close so you can comfort your child while care goes on.
How does the team keep my child calm?
The team works at a child's pace where it is safe to, uses simple words the child understands, and lets a parent stay near to hold a hand or offer a toy. Care is matched to the child's age and size, from a newborn to a teenager.
What happens after my child is assessed?
Depending on what the team finds, a child may be treated and sent home with clear instructions, kept for a while for observation, referred to a specialist, or admitted for further care. The team explains the plan to you and what to watch for at home.
Should I bring anything with me?
Bring your child's Emirates ID and insurance card if they are to hand, a note of any medicines the child takes, and details of any allergies. For a genuine emergency, come straight away with whatever you have, as the child's care comes first.
My baby seems generally unwell but I cannot point to one thing. Is it worth coming?
Yes. Babies can become unwell quickly, so a baby who is feeding poorly, unusually sleepy, or simply not themselves is worth bringing in. Trust your judgement, and the team will assess your baby and reassure you.
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