Programs and research

Improving emergency care through research

UW Health Kids physicians and researchers are continually working to improve emergency care for you and your family. One of the ways we do this is through research.

UW Health ranks among the Top 12 medical systems in the country for National Institutes of Health funding for emergency medicine research.

Our research areas include antibiotic resistance, emergency radiology and prehospital medicine.

Learn more

Conditions and treatments

High-quality diagnosis and care

The UW Health Kids emergency medical team evaluates and treats a wide range of conditions. 

Conditions we treat
  • Allergic reactions and infections

  • Breathing difficulties

  • Burns

  • Chest pain or racing heart beat

  • Cuts

  • Dehydration

  • Head injuries and concussions

  • Medical device failures

  • Psychiatric emergencies such as anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation

  • Persistent high fever

  • Poisonings or overdoses

  • Sprains/fractures

  • Severe complications of chronic illnesses, such as asthma or diabetes

  • Surgical complications

Treatment by pediatric specialists

Your child receives initial treatment from our UW Health Kids emergency medicine team. If needed, one of our 150 pediatric specialists also might help your child.

  • Bone repair (casting, splinting/setting)

  • Bracing for a sprain or strain

  • Fluids to help with dehydration

  • Imaging (X-rays or scans) to help determine problems

  • Medicines for infection, pain or fever

  • Observation to determine the condition

  • Oxygen or support for difficulty breathing

  • Splinting for a sprain or to stabilize a fracture before surgery

  • Surgery

Your child’s care team will decide if your child should return home after treatment or stay in the hospital for further care.

Child Life specialists also help young patients and their families cope with the fear and anxiety associated with an injury or emergency situation.

Learn more

Location

The main entrance of American Family Children's Hospital in the evening
UW Health Kids emergency medicine

University Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) official address is 600 Highland Ave., Madison WI 53792. However, the quickest way to get to the Emergency Department entrance is to drive north on University Bay Drive where it intersects with Campus Drive. You will see “Emergency” signs directing you to the parking area.

Meet our team

UW Health Kids emergency medicine experts care for your child

Our UW Health Kids team includes doctors who are board-certified in pediatric emergency medicine. Our nurses and members of our care team also have specialized training to care for kids. We know how to address the developmental, emotional and physical needs of children in an emergency situation.

Pediatric emergency medicine
Smiling child with sign reading UW Health Kids
UW Health Kids
Our pediatric experts have served the special needs of children for more than 100 years. We focus on each child’s unique needs and offer social and emotional support to help you and your child face even the most complex condition. Our long history includes the creation of medical advances that save lives around the world. Together, we get your child back to health and enjoying being a kid.