Children's of Alabama Emergency Department

The Emergency Department at Children’s of Alabama is NOT a public COVID-19 testing site. Please contact your pediatrician if you need to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test.

The Children’s of Alabama Emergency Department (ED) has more than 70,000 visits yearly and provides 24-hour care for children presenting with illness or injury. We are recognized as the major provider of specialized care for life-threatening traumatically injured and burned children. Children are defined as less than 19 years of age, although a medical screening examination is provided to any individual who presents for care. Stabilization and appropriate transfer for adult patients will be performed following current guidelines.

The department is composed of 53 beds (47 patient rooms, 4 resuscitation/trauma rooms, one minor procedure room and a pelvic examination room). The Emergency Department serves as a primary referral center for Birmingham and surrounding communities. The Emergency Department participates in a community-based emergency plan established by the Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Services System. The ED works in conjunction with the Regional Poison Control Center housed within the Children’s of Alabama.

*Children’s provides 24/7/365 valet services for patient families visiting our Emergency Department located at the corner of 5th Avenue South and 16th Street. Valet services are also provided for guests who use wheelchairs or other mobility assistance devices to get around the Russell Campus. This is a free service to our guests.*

Express Admit Unit (EAU)
Caregivers of the ED
What to Expect
Preparing for an ED Visit

Please dial 911 immediately in case of an emergency.

When to go to the Emergency Room
Flu Tip Sheet (PDF)
When to go to the Doctor or Emergency Department? (PDF)

Here are some departments associated with the Emergency Department.

Critical Care Transport
Poison Control and Injury Prevention
Concussion Clinic