5 Things You Must Know Before Visiting The ER

Among the many things unplanned, a trip to the emergency room (ER) is one of those, and this one no one likes. However, knowing what to expect can make the experiences a bit less stressful. It could be for anything sudden illness, an injury or worsening chronic condition. You must be prepared and it can help ensure you get the right care as quickly as possible.

Here are 5 key things you must remember while visiting the ER:

Seeking Emergency Care

Not every issue needs emergency care, so it is important for you to know when to seek emergency care. This would save you trip to the ER, and also would help the healthcare professionals too as they won't be overburdened. Note of these signs that may indicate you need an ER visit:

• Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• Uncontrollable bleeding
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe allergic reactions

If you or someone around you is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the arm, back, neck, or jaw) or a stroke (trouble speaking, sudden vision problems, facial drooping, or weakness in the arms), call emergency services immediately instead of trying to visit a doctor or urgent care center.

Medical Reports And History

Usually ER visits are done in a rush, but it is always best to carry your file with all your medical history. In case you reach there in a rush, have someone you can call to get your files. The best? Always keep a copy of it in your phone, to save time. These details could include:

• Any chronic illnesses (diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc.)
• Medications and dosages
• Allergies (especially to medications)
• Previous surgeries or major health concerns
• Emergency contact information

Wait Time

There will be a wait time and not much would you be able to do about it. ER always prioritizes patients based on severity, and not on first-come-first serve basis. This means if you have a non-life-threatening issue, you might have to wait a while. What you can do instead is try to stay calm, bring a phone charger, a book, or something to pass the time, and ask the staff for any updates, inform the staff in case your condition worsens.

No Unnecessary ER Visits

This is similar to the first point, know your health, know when there is an emergency. Many of your ER visits could be prevented if you have regular health check-ups and proper management of your chronic conditions. You may visit a primary care provider for your routine screenings, vaccinations and medication adjustments that can prevent such emergency situations. If you experience mild symptoms like a sore throat, mild fever, or minor injuries, consider visiting an urgent care center instead of the ER.

Safe Medicines And Household Hazards

A surprising number of ER visits happen due to accidental overdoses, poisoning, and household injuries. Simple precautions can help prevent such emergencies:

• Store medications in a locked cabinet, away from children and unauthorized users
• Keep dangerous household chemicals out of reach
• Take prescribed medications as directed, and do not mix drugs without consulting a doctor
• Be cautious with alcohol and drug use, as they can lead to unexpected medical emergencies