Recently, I asked some of our readers what we needed to write about. We received several suggestions, and the one that was selected impacts lots of families: The Emergency Department. More importantly is what do parents need to know when coming to Le Bonheur Children’s Emergency Department.

Hopefully you will never need to our Emergency department, but when you do need it, we want you to know the important stuff. In 2009, Le Bonheur Children’s Emergency Department (or ED) treated more than 75,000 patients. As you can imagine, that’s lots of families, and unfortunately, when you need the services of the ED, you don't have time to research "what to do".

We have had families that have spent more time than they care to think about in the Le Bonheur Children's ED, and they have learned some tricks and tips. Our ED staff is another great resource, but how often do families have the time to ask them "specific" questions. Our thought was "why not talk to both groups and see what they have to share." In response, I started working on a Parent’s Primer: The Emergency Department.

I’ve been on a journey of talking with staff, asking parents for advice, and finding all of the answers that you might need to know when you come into Le Bonheur Children’s ED. This week, we’ll be sharing our findings. So, first things first: checking in.

However, there are lots of other areas, tips, and tricks to know about a visit to the Emergency Department. I’ll keep discussing those, and if you have questions or questions leave them, and I’ll try my best to answer them.