20/03/2025
The Emergency Room is not the same as your usual clinic consult where you are served in chronological order if arrival. It's the part of the hospital that sees patients who need immediate medical attention for severe, life-threatening, or urgent conditions.
I've listed down some examples of when you might need to be seen in the ER.
1. Chest Pain or Difficulty Breathing: If you experience severe chest pain, tightness, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
2. Severe Head Injury or Trauma: If you or someone you know has experienced a severe head injury, has lost consciousness, or shows signs of confusion or disorientation.
3. Severe Bleeding or Wounds: If you're experiencing severe bleeding that doesn't stop after 10-15 minutes of pressure, or if you have a deep wound that requires stitches.
4. Stroke Symptoms: If you or someone you know is experiencing sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, or sudden vision changes.
5. Severe Abdominal Pain: If you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or bloody stools.
6. Seizures: If you or someone you know has had a seizure, especially if it's their first seizure or if they have a history of seizure disorders.
7. Allergic Reactions: If you experience severe allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
8. Burns: If you've experienced severe burns, such as third-degree burns, or if you've inhaled smoke or fumes.
9. Sudden Confusion or Disorientation: If you or someone you know is experiencing sudden confusion, disorientation, or altered mental status.
10. Suicidal Thoughts or Intentions: If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or intentions, seek immediate help.
The ER is staffed by doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who are trained to handle emergencies and provide fast, lifesaving care, so if your condition doesn't fall under those, it might be best to avoid the ER and see your primary physician. They will be able to assess you and refer you to the ER if they see the need to. Don't wait for things to get worse before seeing a physician. π