Pediatric Respiratory Resources : Emergency Care BC

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This Winter, respiratory illnesses are running rampant among children, resulting in higher than normal rates of hospital visits and admissions. This surge of young patients with viral infections comes at a time when hospitals across the province are already challenged with high numbers of admitted patients and sustained pressure on emergency departments.

Here are a few relevant resources and quick links to support you and the patients you care for during respiratory illness season.

Resources for health-care providers

*NEW* Revised Indications for Ostelamivir Usage for the 2022-23 Influenza Season (PDF)
Pediatric respiratory resource list (PDF): a compilation of respiratory resources for pediatric health-care providers; topics include asthma, bronchiolitis, croup, COVID-19, RSV and vaccines.
Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS): peer pathways that offer around-the-clock, virtual clinical support to rural and remote care providers in B.C.
- Child Health Advice in Real-Time Electronically (CHARLiE)
- Maternity and Babies Advice Line (MaBAL)
- Rural Urgent Doctors In-aid (RUDi)
Compass Mental Health: telephone support for care providers across B.C. to deliver timely and appropriate care for children and youth. Providers have access to a multidisciplinary team including mental health and substance use clinicians (social workers, nurses, psychologists, etc.) and child and adolescent psychiatrists.

Resources and reminders for families

Information for parents seeking medical care for children (PDF): for parents/caregivers who are unsure if their child needs medical care, this resource can help them assess and decide.
When to bring your child to the Emergency Department: examples to help families decide if their child needs emergency care.
8-1-1 HealthLink BC: families can speak to a registered nurse any time, every day of the year.
Fever or chills, age 11 or younger: HealthLink BC webpage with details about taking temperature, causes of fever, treatment, prevention etc.
BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre: mental health and substance use information, resources, and peer support for families across B.C.