Children's Emergency Care

Specialized Emergency Care for Infants, Children, and Teens in New Jersey

When your child needs emergency medical care, every moment counts. At Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, we provide dedicated pediatric emergency services at multiple children’s hospitals across New Jersey, ensuring that your family has access to expert, compassionate care close to home.

Our pediatric emergency departments are specially designed to treat infants, children, and adolescents in a setting that prioritizes comfort, safety, and fast access to the care your child needs. From minor injuries to serious medical concerns, our team is ready 24/7 to provide care tailored specifically for young patients.

What to Expect from Our Pediatric Emergency Departments

Families who visit our emergency departments for children can expect:

• Board-certified pediatric specialists trained in emergency medicine
• Child-friendly waiting areas at our academic children’s hospitals to help reduce fear and create a calming environment
• Support from Child Life Specialists who help children cope with pain, fear, and unfamiliar hospital experiences
• Magnet® award-winning emergency and trauma nurses delivering high-quality care
• Pediatric-focused pain management and low-radiation imaging techniques
• Fast-track areas for less serious conditions to reduce wait times
• Multilingual staff and language access services to ensure clear communication with families
• On-site lab testing, imaging, and pharmacy services for faster diagnosis and treatment
• Specialized treatment rooms and procedure areas for children’s unique needs
• Social work services to support families facing difficult situations
• Access to Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) at select locations
• Seamless coordination with Hackensack Meridian Health’s full continuum of care, including follow-up support and post-emergency treatment

Certified Autism Center

The Pediatric Emergency Department at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital  is the first emergency department in New Jersey to receive the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

This designation recognizes our staff’s specialized training in autism-specific care practices, helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other sensory needs feel more comfortable during emergency visits. Families can expect an inclusive, understanding environment tailored to each child’s unique communication and sensory needs.