Emergency Health issues
In a true emergency, like a serious auto accident, you may be taken to the emergency department of a hospital in an ambulance. In a true emergency, you should call 911. Sometimes, it can be more challenging to determine whether you should head to the ER:
Breathing Issues
For severe breathing issues, call 911. Other concerning breathing issues include an asthma attack you can’t get under control, inability to draw a deep breath, or signs of a restricted airway like tightness in the throat and chest.
Head, Neck, and Spine Injuries
Call 911 for head injuries with fainting or confusion and injuries to the neck and spine, especially if there is a feeling or inability to move. Emergency room doctors often diagnose concussions and issues related to these parts of the body.
Heavy Bleeding
Heavy bleeding that you can’t get under control is an emergency situation. Whether the source of the bleeding is an injury or another cause, this symptom is worthy of a trip to the emergency room.
Chest Pain
Severe chest pain and pressure is a significant emergency medical symptom that could indicate a heart attack is occurring. Call 911. Another potential sign of heart attack includes pain in the arm or jaw.
Stroke Symptoms
Symptoms of a stroke include the sudden loss of the ability to speak, see, walk or move, suddenly weak or “drooping” on one side of the body, and slurred speech. Stroke is a condition that needs to be treated immediately to reduce the risk of permanent damage or death.
Other common reasons people head to the emergency room include sudden, severe headache, a possible broken bone, concussion, and deep cuts, and other wounds.
When to go to an Urgent Care Facility
If your medical problem is not life-threatening or severe, but you feel it is serious, consider going to an urgent care facility. Urgent cares handle issues like:
- Severe colds and flu
- Ear infections
- Sore throat
- Migraine headaches
- Rashes
- Minor injuries like sprains, minor cuts and burns, broken bones, and minor eye injuries
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
Unless you arrive by ambulance, when you arrive at the emergency department, you’ll need to check in with medical staff. They will collect information like your name, address, and insurance numbers. You’ll also need to describe why you are seeking help so the staff can decide how to prioritize your needs.
Emergency medicine doctors approach cases from different angles, depending on the health concern. Possibilities include:
- Physical examinations, which might include checking vital signs and examinations of the ear, nose, and throat
- Patient consultation (discussion about the patient’s symptoms)
- Urinalysis
- Imaging tests like x-rays, MRI, CT scans, and ultrasounds
Your emergency medicine doctor test will evaluate the results of their examination and any tests you have performed to determine what should happen next. You can expect one of the following outcomes:
- Return home with no further care needed (for example, if your problem is mild and resolves on its own or is cured at the ER)
- Return home with care instructions
- Make an appointment with your general practitioner
- Make an appointment with your general practitioner
- Be admitted to the hospital for observation