[Emergencies in childhood. Experience at a Pediatric First Aid Unit in a regional hospital]

During 1989 4445 children, divided into four different age groups, were treated in the First Aid Unit of Carate Brianza Hospital. The paper analyses the types of pathology and reasons for using the First Aid Unit. The statistical incidence of accidents involving children, above all cranial and other injuries and the accidental swallowing of toxic substances or drugs, was assessed in an attempt to prevent the causes. The type of accident was also correlated to age group. The paper confirms the affirmation made by other researchers that the inappropriate use of emergency services is linked to the lack of relationship between the family and local pediatrician rather than the lack of primary care.