It is often scary when your child becomes sick and difficult to determine what to do.

Alberta Health Services has developed the HEAL website (Health Education and Learning) to help parents decide if their child needs emergency assistance or not.

Dr. Shirmee Doshi, Alberta Children's Hospital, Emergency Department Physician says the website gives reliable and accessible information about common injuries and illnesses in children so families can determine the best care.

“Most of the time kids don't need to go to the emergency department. While children with certain illnesses such as cough, fever, or earaches may feel very uncomfortable, they are sometimes best cared for at home. The Heal website provides parents and caregivers with credible information regarding common childhood illnesses and injuries we see in Alberta, as well as practical advice to care for their child with confidence.”

The top ten common childhood issues seen in pediatric emergency departments, best cared for at home, are on the website. The site gives a detailed description of the illness or injury, symptoms, treatment and when to head to the emergency department.

However, the website shouldn't replace emergency care and if parents are really worried and not comfortable with how their child looks, they should call 9-1-1 or head to the nearest emergency department to get checked out by a doctor.