At one time or another, most of us have experienced an Emergency Room self hand, heard a story about an experience at the ER or at least seen it on television. A visit to the Emergency Room does not have to be a stressful or frightening. With the right information you can reduce anxiety and have a positive experience. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare for arriving to the ER.
When to Be Seen by a Physician in an Emergency Room
Marc Taub, MD, Medical Director of Emergency Services at Saddleback Memorial – San Clemente admits it can sometimes be difficult to know if you’re dealing with an emergency. “If you are concerned that you or loved one has an emergency, it’s always better to get checked promptly,” says Dr. Taub. “We are always here to help, so never feel hesitant about coming to the ER. If you have questions and it doesn’t seem like a life-threatening problem, a good option is to first call your personal physician for advice. Most doctors have someone on call, even after-hours.”
Warning Signs that Indicate a Medical Emergency*
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
- Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
- Changes in vision
- Confusion or changes in mental status
- Any sudden or severe pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Suicidal feelings
- Difficulty speaking
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual abdominal pain
Bring a Family Member or Friend
Whenever possible it is a good idea to bring someone else with you to the ER. “If your condition is serious, you may need someone to help provide information and communicate with staff,” says Karen Sharp, Manager of the Emergency Department at Saddleback Memorial - San Clemente.
Have Your Health History, Medications and Insurance Card Handy
According to many health care professionals, it is important for people be prepared with all of their health information. “When people come into the ER and have all their information handy, it makes the registration process a less stressful event,” says Sharp.
Make sure you keep the following items in a convenient place such as a wallet or purse so that you may grab them quickly when leaving your home. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of these items with your spouse, family member or caregiver:
- A list of the medications you take, allergies and major events in your health history
- Copies of any recent medical tests or procedures
- Names of your personal physicians
- Emergency contact information
- Health plan information
- Advanced healthcare directives
To help in this process, we invite you to sign up for the Medical Information and Access Card (MIAC). In a medical emergency, when time is precious, MIAC can help give crucial information to the medical providers who are caring for you. In addition, the card is recognized by area urgent care centers and emergency medical personnel.
More information about MIAC.
When in Doubt, Ask
Dr. Taub advises that if a doctor or nurse tells you something or asks you a question that you do not understand, make sure you ask them to clarify what they are saying. Also, if health care professionals are doing something that you want to know more about, just ask. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” says Taub, “We are here to help and educate you about your health.”
You could save a life! Saddleback Memorial – San Clemente offers CPR and first aid classes to the community all year long.
* Source: The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
