When Erin Harris, a 10‑year‑old from East Las Vegas, collapsed in a parking lot in August 2025, her mother Biana Pettway rushed her to Sunrise Children’s Hospital. The hospital’s dedicated pediatric emergency department, staffed and equipped specifically for children, was able to intervene within minutes.
Quick action saves a life
According to Pettway, Erin had been complaining of a stomachache that quickly worsened. “She didn’t look so good, her face was really sunken,” Pettway recalled. After the collapse, Dr. Jacob Snow, medical director of the pediatric emergency room, performed CPR for 25 minutes, refusing to give up until the child’s heartbeat returned.
Dr. Snow later explained that Erin was diagnosed with an intestinal condition that required immediate, child‑specific care. He emphasized that treating children in an emergency setting demands specialized resources and expertise because their medical needs differ from adults. “Children have a unique set of factors that makes their medical care sometimes a little more complex,” Snow said.
Specialized care recognized
Sunrise Children’s Hospital recently earned a Pediatric Ready Recognition from the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health Emergency Medical Services. The designation confirms that the hospital meets strict standards for staffing, equipment, and training to handle pediatric emergencies from infancy through adolescent size.
“You want to have that child at a place that has the personnel, the training, the equipment, all designed around taking care of a child,” Snow explained. This recognition, Pettway noted, was the difference between life and death on that frightening day.
Recovery and gratitude
Erin’s recovery has been remarkable. After weeks of hospital care, she is now back at school, playing outside, and living the typical life of a 10‑year‑old. “A lot of people thought she might never eat again or would need far more attention, but she goes outside and plays. If you’re around her, you won’t even know what happened,” Pettway said.
For Pettway, the experience underscores the importance of having pediatric‑focused emergency services available locally. “Seeing my daughter return to everyday life is a second chance I do not take for granted,” she added.
Why pediatric emergency rooms matter
Children’s hospitals across Nevada are increasingly seeking Pediatric Ready status to ensure that families have access to care that understands the distinct physiological and emotional needs of young patients. The designation not only improves outcomes in critical moments but also provides peace of mind for parents who know that specialized expertise is just a short drive away.
Local health officials encourage families to familiarize themselves with the nearest pediatric‑ready facilities and to seek immediate care when a child shows signs of severe distress, such as persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or sudden weakness.
Erin’s story serves as a powerful reminder that specialized pediatric emergency care can be the difference between tragedy and a hopeful future for Nevada families.
Original reporting: KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
