Emergency Medicine

When Should I Go to the Emergency Department?

More than 300,000 Americans on average are treated in our nation's emergency departments every day, according to the latest government statistics, and patients are treated for a wide variety of medical conditions.

How do you decide when a medical condition rises to the level of a medical "emergency?" The following is a list of 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
Unusual abdominal pain

If you or a loved one thinks you need emergency care, come to the emergency department and have a doctor examine you. If the medical condition is life-threatening or the person's condition will worsen on the way to the hospital, then you need to call 9-1-1 and have your local Emergency Medical Services provider come to you.

Emergency Care for Children

Children have unique medical problems and may display different symptoms than adults. Symptoms that are serious for a child may not be as serious for an adult. Children may also be unable to communicate their condition, which means an adult will have to interpret the behavior. Always get immediate medical attention if you think your child is having a medical emergency.

Tips for Your Emergency Room Visit

Emergency departments see patients based on the severity of their illnesses or injuries, not on a first-come, first serve basis. With that in mind, the following tips are offered to patients when they come to an emergency department in order to get the best possible care as quickly as possible:

Bring a list of medications and allergies: What's the name of the medication you are taking? How often do you take it and for how long? A list of allergies is important, especially if there are many of them. Be sure to include medications, foods, insects or any other product that may cause an allergic reaction. Bring a medical history form with you.
Know your immunizations: This will likely be a long list for children; mainly tetanus, flu and Hepatitis B for adults.
Remain calm: Obviously it is difficult to remain composed if you've been badly injured, but a calm attitude can help increase communication with the doctors and nurses who are caring for you.

Communication is important when you arrive at an emergency department. Emergency personnel need to know as much about the patient as quickly as possible so the proper treatment can begin. There can be a wait in the emergency department as doctors and nurse tend to those with the most severe conditions, but by all means tell a member of the staff if you are in pain or there is any change in your condition while you're at the hospital.