A surreal illustration of an adult in a pediatric emergency room.

Adulting 911: Navigating Emergency Care When You're Over 18 (and Still Clueless)

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 3 min read.

"A comprehensive guide for adult patients unexpectedly finding themselves in a pediatric emergency department – from triage to transfer."

Let's face it: emergencies are never convenient, and they certainly don't discriminate by age. While you might think a pediatric emergency department (ED) is solely for the juice box and boo-boo set, increasing numbers of adults are finding themselves in these brightly colored hallways. Maybe it's the closest ED, perhaps your regular hospital is overloaded, or you're accompanying a child and suddenly need help yourself. Whatever the reason, knowing how to navigate this situation is crucial for getting the care you need.

The rise in adult patients in pediatric EDs isn't just a quirky anomaly. Since the introduction of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) in 1986, hospitals are required to provide medical screening and stabilization to anyone who comes to the ED, regardless of age. This means pediatric EDs must assess and stabilize adult patients before transferring them to an appropriate facility.

This guide is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge to confidently handle an adult emergency in a pediatric setting. We'll cover common adult complaints, the unique challenges of pediatric EDs, and how to advocate for the best possible care during a stressful situation.

Triage and Stabilization: What to Expect

A surreal illustration of an adult in a pediatric emergency room.

So, you've arrived at the pediatric ED. What happens next? The triage nurse will assess your condition to determine the urgency of your needs. Be prepared to provide a clear and concise explanation of your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you're taking. Remember, these medical professionals are trained to handle a wide range of patients, so try to remain calm and provide the information they need.

The focus in the pediatric ED is to stabilize you and determine the next steps for your care. This may involve:

Checking vital signs: This includes blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation.
Administering initial treatment: Pain relief, oxygen, or other medications may be given to stabilize your condition.
Ordering basic tests: Blood work or an ECG may be performed to gather more information.
Consulting with specialists: The pediatric ED staff may consult with adult emergency medicine specialists to determine the best course of action.

While the staff will do their best to assist you, pediatric EDs are primarily equipped for children. This means that certain diagnostic tools or medications specific to adult conditions may not be readily available. The goal is to stabilize you and facilitate a safe transfer to an adult-focused facility as quickly as possible.

Empower Yourself: Key Takeaways

Finding yourself in a pediatric emergency department as an adult can be unsettling, but remember that you have the power to navigate the situation effectively. By understanding the process, communicating clearly, and advocating for your needs, you can ensure you receive the appropriate care and a smooth transition to an adult-focused facility. Stay informed, stay calm, and remember that you're not alone in this unexpected detour.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.pcl.2018.07.016, Alternate LINK

Title: Management Of Adult Patients In The Pediatric Emergency Department

Subject: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Journal: Pediatric Clinics of North America

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Joy Ekezie, Chad Garthe, Rachel Stanley

Published: 2018-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why are adults sometimes seen in a pediatric emergency department, and what legal obligation do these facilities have to adult patients?

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) of 1986 mandates that hospitals, including pediatric emergency departments, provide medical screening and stabilization to anyone who arrives at the emergency department, regardless of age. This means that if an adult arrives at a pediatric ED, they are required to assess and stabilize the adult patient's condition before transferring them to a more appropriate facility equipped to handle adult medical needs.

What should an adult patient expect during the triage and stabilization process upon arriving at a pediatric emergency department?

Upon arrival at a pediatric emergency department, the triage nurse will assess the adult patient's condition to determine the urgency of their needs. This involves providing a clear and concise explanation of symptoms, medical history, and any medications being taken. The pediatric ED staff will then focus on stabilizing the patient, which may include checking vital signs, administering initial treatments like pain relief or oxygen, ordering basic tests such as blood work or an ECG, and consulting with adult emergency medicine specialists to determine the best course of action.

What are the limitations of a pediatric emergency department in treating adult patients, and why is transfer to an adult-focused facility often necessary?

While pediatric emergency departments can provide initial stabilization for adult patients, they are primarily equipped to handle pediatric cases. This means certain diagnostic tools or medications specific to adult conditions may not be readily available. The goal in this setting is to stabilize the adult patient and facilitate a safe and efficient transfer to an adult-focused medical facility where they can receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs.

As an adult in a pediatric emergency department, how can you best advocate for your own care and ensure a smooth transition to an appropriate medical facility?

Adults can advocate for their care in a pediatric emergency department by communicating clearly and calmly with the medical staff. Providing detailed information about medical history, current medications, and specific symptoms is crucial. It is also essential to understand that the pediatric ED's primary goal is stabilization and transfer. Asking questions about the treatment plan and understanding the next steps can help ensure a smooth transition to an appropriate adult-focused facility.

What does the rise of adult patients in pediatric emergency departments reveal about the broader healthcare landscape, particularly concerning the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) and access to emergency care?

The increasing number of adults finding themselves in pediatric emergency departments highlights the broader issues within the healthcare system, such as ED overcrowding and accessibility. While EMTALA ensures that everyone receives initial screening and stabilization, the long-term solution involves improving access to adult-focused emergency care and reducing the strain on hospital resources. Understanding the role of EMTALA and the capabilities of a pediatric ED helps to navigate an unexpected healthcare detour effectively.