When To Call On Call

At Briarpatch Pediatrics, your child's health and well-being are our highest priority. That’s why we offer 24/7 access to care—whether it’s a phone consultation after hours or an in-office visit. We understand that during a medical concern, it can be hard to know whether to call our on-call provider, schedule an appointment, or head to the emergency room. To help guide you, we’ve created a simple, easy-to-follow list of common symptoms and the best place to turn for care in each situation.

We are always here for our patients—day or night—and we encourage you to reach out anytime you're unsure about the next steps for your child's health.

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If you’re unsure, always err on the side of caution and reach out to the on-call Provider for guidance at 508-362-5727. Looking for some common medicine dosing information? Log on to our website at briarpatchpedi.com

DIRE EMERGENCY – CALL 911 OR GO TO THE ED

  • Difficulty breathing (gasping, wheezing, turning blue, retracting)
  • Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face/lips, difficulty breathing)
  • Seizures (especially first-time or prolonged seizures)
  • High fever with a stiff neck, confusion, or unresponsiveness
  • Severe injury (head trauma with vomiting, broken bones, deep cuts)
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Severe dehydration (no urine for 8+ hours, extreme lethargy)
  • Suicidal thoughts and or mental health crisis dial 988, or 911, or go to ED
  • Ingestion of toxic substances or medications (Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222)

Fever over 100.4 in a baby 2 months and under- always proceed to the Emergency Department.

Call 911/go to ED Or Call 988 for Suicidal thoughts

URGENT BUT NOT A DIRE EMERGENCY – CALL ON-CALL

  • Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) 2 months to 2 years old
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea with signs of dehydration
  • Worsening breathing symptoms (cough, wheezing, or fast breathing without severe distress)
  • Rash spreading rapidly or with fever
  • Persistent ear pain or drainage
  • Eye redness with swelling, pain, or discharge
  • Worsening abdominal pain (especially right lower area pain)
  • Worsening cold/flu symptoms (fever lasting more than 3-4 days)
  • Pain or swelling of joints
  • Concerns about medication reactions

Fever over 100.4 in a child 2 yrs old and older with difficulty breathing and/or with signs of dehydration and/or concerning behavior (irritability or lethargy).

Call 508-362-5727 Full pediatric after hours coverage. In office appointments available Sat & Sun.

MILD SYMPTOMS – CALL DURING ROUTINE OFFICE HOURS

(Not urgent, can wait for routine office hours)

  • Mild cold symptoms without fever
  • Mild diarrhea with normal urine output
  • Minor rashes without other symptoms
  • Occasional vomiting without signs of dehydration
  • Sleeping or feeding concerns (without urgent symptoms)

Check our website for med dosing or book a next day sick visit Via MyChart - Late appointments till 7:00 pm.