Tips for parents on preparation, admission and stay
Parents should visit their children in the hospital as often as possible. (Image source: ERGO Group)
In summer, children romp around in gardens again, happily jump into swimming pools or chase balls on sports fields. Unfortunately, fun sometimes turns serious: concussions, bruises, sprains or broken bones are not uncommon. Helena Biewer, accident expert at ERGO, knows what parents should look out for and what insurance they should have in case of an emergency.
First steps after an accident
When children spend a lot of time outside again in summer, outdoor sports are in high season. Although sporting activities in the fresh air are actually very healthy, it also increases the risk of accidents. Kicking on the soccer field, for example, is very popular with children, but according to an ERGO statistic, soccer accounts for the largest proportion of sports accidents at around 34 percent. But children can also easily injure themselves in other sports, such as cycling. If there is more than one scratch, the shock is usually great. Nonetheless, stay calm. “Depending on the severity of the injury, parents should take their child to the doctor themselves or call an ambulance,” says Helena Biewer, accident expert at ERGO. Until he arrives, it is important to treat the injury and to calm and comfort the child. “To be prepared, it’s a good idea for parents to take a baby and child first aid course,” Biewer said. The German Red Cross website provides information about courses nearby.
The ride in the ambulance
If the offspring has to be taken in the ambulance, the driver decides how many companions are allowed to travel with them – one passenger is usually allowed. “Which hospital he goes to depends on the individual situation and the place of the accident,” explains the accident expert. “Parents can point out if the child has already been to a particular children’s hospital.” They are often transported back there if that is possible. To allay children’s fears, it helps to always explain exactly what to expect next.
expiry of the recording
To register for the emergency room, a nurse will first measure the child’s weight, height, and temperature. She can also help with the admission formalities. The examination is then carried out by the doctor. If the child has to stay in the hospital, parents should pack a bag with personal items such as clothing, toiletries, slippers and the like. A few favorite toys, books, and stuffed animals can help the child feel more comfortable. “In order to make the stay easier, many clinics offer to take a reference person with them,” says the accident expert from ERGO. “There are often special parent-child rooms or an extra couch in the child’s room that the parents can sleep on.” the health insurance will pay for the additional costs,” adds Biewer.
visits to the hospital
Parents who are not included can also visit their offspring at any time. “Mother or father should do this as often as possible,” recommends the ERGO expert. “Because the proximity can make the stay much easier and even contribute to faster recovery.” Many clinics now also allow other children to visit, so that friends or siblings can keep the little patient company.
support options for parents
If the child has to be hospitalized for a few days or even weeks, it is not easy for the parents. Working mothers and fathers in particular then face the organizational challenge of juggling everyday life and visits to the hospital. “If the child is under the age of twelve, employees have the right to take ten days off per year to look after each child and parent,” says Biewer. “For single parents, it’s even 20 days per child.” In some cases, there is also an entitlement to child sickness benefit. “If co-admission is medically necessary and if the siblings are under the age of twelve, parents can also apply for household help,” adds the accident expert. The local youth welfare offices may also offer support.
Protection for the offspring
Since the statutory accident insurance does not pay for accidents during leisure time, parents can consider taking out additional private accident insurance. “It also pays if accidents happen during sports, hobbies or in the household,” explains Biewer. For parents, this often means not only financial relief, but also support in everyday life – especially if recovery takes longer or the accident even leads to permanent impairment. Then the accident insurance pays for necessary conversions or technical aids, for example. “In addition, an injury benefit or a daily hospital allowance can be useful,” says the accident expert. “The latter pays for a hospital stay from day one.”
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About ERGO Group AG
ERGO is one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. The group is represented in over 25 countries worldwide and focuses on the regions of Europe and Asia. Under the umbrella of ERGO Group AG, four separate units, ERGO Deutschland AG, ERGO International AG, ERGO Digital Ventures AG and ERGO Technology & Services Management AG, manage the business and activities of the ERGO Group. The German, international, direct and digital business as well as the global control of IT and technology services are bundled in these. Around 38,700 people work for the group as salaried employees or as full-time self-employed agents. In 2022, ERGO took in more than EUR 20 billion in total premiums and provided its customers with net insurance benefits of around EUR 15 billion.
ERGO is part of Munich Re, one of the world‘s leading reinsurers and risk carriers.
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