New parents live in a state of heightened alertness. Every unusual cry, strange rash, or skipped feeding triggers a question: is this normal, or should I be worried? That vigilance is a good thing — it keeps babies safe. But it also means many parents hesitate at the critical moment, afraid of overreacting, worried about wasting paramedics’ time, or unsure whether the situation is truly serious enough to call 911.

Here is the rule that every emergency physician and paramedic will tell you: it is always better to call and not need help than to not call and need it. No one in emergency medicine has ever criticised a parent for being cautious. This guide will help you recognise the situations that genuinely require 911, know what to tell the dispatcher, and understand what to do while you wait for help to arrive.

Call 911 Immediately If Your Baby…

Is not breathing or is unresponsive

If your baby is limp, not responding to stimulation, and not breathing (or only gasping), call 911 and begin infant CPR immediately. Every second counts — CPR keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain while paramedics are on the way. If someone else is with you, have them call 911 while you start CPR. If you are alone, perform 2 minutes of CPR (about 5 cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths), then call 911 with your phone on speaker and continue CPR.

Is choking and first aid is not working

If your baby is choking — unable to cry, cough, or breathe — begin back blows and chest thrusts immediately. Have someone call 911 while you continue first aid. If you are alone and the object is not clearing after 2 minutes of back blows and chest thrusts, put your phone on speaker, call 911, and continue the technique while speaking to the dispatcher. If the baby becomes unresponsive at any point, switch to infant CPR.

Is having a seizure

A seizure in a baby looks terrifying: the body may stiffen, the limbs may jerk rhythmically, the eyes may roll back, and the skin may turn blue. The most common cause in babies and young children is a febrile seizure — triggered by a rapid spike in body temperature. While most febrile seizures are not dangerous, you should call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if the baby has trouble breathing after the seizure, if it is the baby’s first seizure, or if the baby does not return to normal within 15 minutes of the seizure ending.

What to do during a seizure: Place the baby on their side on a safe, flat surface. Do not hold them down or try to stop the movements. Do not put anything in their mouth. Time the seizure from the moment it starts — the dispatcher and ER staff will ask how long it lasted.

Shows signs of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can escalate within minutes. Call 911 immediately if your baby shows any combination of: widespread hives or skin flushing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or stridor (a high-pitched breathing sound), sudden vomiting or diarrhea after exposure to an allergen, or limpness and unresponsiveness. If an epinephrine auto-injector has been prescribed, use it immediately and still call 911 — the baby needs further monitoring and treatment.

Has a fever and is under 3 months old

For babies under 3 months, a rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is a medical emergency. Young infants can have serious bacterial infections — including meningitis and bloodstream infections — without showing obvious symptoms beyond the fever itself. Go to the ER immediately. Do not wait to see if the fever resolves. Do not give acetaminophen first. Do not assume it is just a cold. This rule applies even if the baby seems otherwise well — infection in very young infants can deteriorate rapidly.

Go to the ER (or Call 911 If Severe) If Your Baby…

Has a significant head injury

Babies fall. Most bumps result in crying, a bruise, and nothing more. But seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these signs after a head injury: vomiting (especially more than once), unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking, unequal pupil sizes, a bulging soft spot (fontanelle), clear fluid draining from the nose or ears, loss of consciousness even briefly, or a seizure. Call 911 if the baby is unresponsive after the fall. For falls from significant heights (more than their own body length), go to the ER even if the baby seems fine — some head injuries have delayed symptoms.

Has been submerged in water

Any baby or toddler who has been submerged in water — even briefly — should be evaluated by a doctor, even if they seem fine afterward. “Secondary drowning” or pulmonary complications can develop hours after the incident. Go to the ER if the child is coughing persistently, breathing rapidly, unusually lethargic, or not acting like themselves after a water incident. Call 911 immediately if the child is not breathing or is unresponsive — begin CPR while waiting for paramedics.

Has ingested a toxic substance

If your baby has swallowed (or you suspect they have swallowed) a medication, cleaning product, button battery, or other toxic substance, call the Ontario Poison Centre (1-800-268-9017) immediately. They will tell you whether the situation requires 911, an ER visit, or home monitoring. If the baby is unresponsive, having a seizure, or having difficulty breathing after ingestion, call 911 directly. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a poison control specialist.

Has severe burns

Call 911 for burns that cover a large area (larger than the baby’s hand), are on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, are caused by electricity or chemicals, or involve blistering on a baby under 1 year. For minor burns, hold the area under cool running water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical evaluation.

When to Call Your Pediatrician Instead of 911

Not every concerning symptom is a 911 emergency. For many situations, calling your pediatrician or visiting an urgent care clinic is the right response:

• Fever in babies 3–6 months: Call your pediatrician if the rectal temperature reaches 38.9°C (102°F). For babies over 6 months, seek advice above 39.4°C (103°F) or if the baby is lethargic, refusing fluids, or showing other concerning symptoms.
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea: If the baby cannot keep fluids down for several hours or has signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken fontanelle).
• A rash that concerns you: Most rashes are benign, but call if the rash is accompanied by fever, if the baby seems unusually unwell, or if the rash does not blanch when pressed (this could indicate a more serious condition).
• Ear pulling with fever: Likely an ear infection — uncomfortable but not an emergency. See your pediatrician within 24 hours.
• A fall with no warning signs: If the baby cried immediately, is acting normally, and shows none of the head injury red flags above, monitor closely at home and call your pediatrician for guidance.

What to Tell the 911 Dispatcher

In an emergency, your brain may go blank. Knowing in advance what information the dispatcher needs helps you communicate clearly under pressure.

1. Your exact location. This is the most important piece of information. Give the full street address, including apartment or unit number, city, and any landmarks. If you are outdoors, describe your location as precisely as possible.
2. The baby’s age and approximate weight. Paramedics need this to prepare the right equipment and medication dosages before they arrive.
3. What happened. A brief description: “My baby is choking and I cannot clear the object,” “My baby stopped breathing,” “My baby fell off the changing table and is now vomiting.”
4. What the baby looks like right now. Is the baby breathing? What colour is the skin (pink, pale, blue, grey)? Is the baby conscious and responsive? Is the baby crying?
5. What you have already done. “I am doing CPR,” “I gave back blows and chest thrusts,” “I have the baby on their side.”

Stay on the line. The dispatcher may coach you through CPR, choking response, or other first aid in real time. Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to. If you need to put the phone down to perform first aid, put it on speaker.

What to Do While Waiting for the Ambulance

• Keep performing first aid. If you are doing CPR or choking response, do not stop. Continue until paramedics take over.
• Unlock the front door. If someone else is with you, have them unlock the door, turn on outside lights, and meet the ambulance at the street.
• Clear a path. Move furniture, shoes, or other obstacles that could slow paramedics getting to your baby.
• Stay calm and communicate. Continue talking to the 911 dispatcher. Report any changes in the baby’s condition.
• Gather essentials. If time allows, have someone grab the baby’s health card, a list of any medications or allergies, and a diaper bag for the hospital.

Save These Numbers Now

Put these in your phone contacts before you need them:

• 911 — life-threatening emergencies
• Ontario Poison Centre: 1-800-268-9017 — 24/7 poison advice
• Your pediatrician’s office and after-hours line
• Nearest emergency room address
• Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000 — 24/7 nurse advice line

Frequently Asked Questions