It's important to understand when pediatric urgent care is okay and when emergency care is necessary. Knowing this is vital to your child's health. Pediatric urgent care is healthcare for children with non-life-threatening health conditions only. This level of care cannot handle life-threatening conditions. For life-threatening conditions, the ER (emergency room) is necessary and the only option. Only they can handle these serious conditions. If you're ever unsure whether your child's condition is or isn't life-threatening, then be safe and go to the ER. If you're sure that the situation is minor, then come to pediatric urgent care.