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 The answers are simple: if you think you are having
the symptoms of a medical emergency, you should seek emergency care
as quickly as possible. Emergencies are determined based on the
symptoms that bring you to the ER in the first place, not on your
final diagnosis. The same symptoms can mean many medical conclusions
and oftentimes it takes an experienced physician and several medical
tests to determine if those symptoms represent some minor ailment or
something potentially life-threatening.
While urgent care centers have a role to play in the health care
system, they are not substitutes for emergency care. They are an
option for common medical problems when a physician’s office is
closed, but more serious problems require screening and treatment at
an emergency department.
“Many people experience the symptoms of an emergency, such as stroke
or a heart attack, but for various reasons, such as doubt, they
delay seeking care right away,” said Becky Parker, MD, FACEP,
president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. “For many
medical emergencies, time is of the essence. Delays in treatment can
lead to more serious consequences.”
Emergency physicians want to educate every person to recognize the
warning signs of a medical emergency.
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Here are some common warning signs and symptoms:
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Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
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Chest or upper abdominal pain, or pressure lasting two minutes
or more
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Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
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Change in vision
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Difficulty speaking
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Confusion in mental status, unusual behavior, difficulty walking
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Any
sudden or severe pain
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Uncontrolled bleeding
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Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
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Coughing or vomiting blood
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Suicidal or homicidal feelings
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Unusual abdominal pain
These are just a few examples and not intended to represent every
kind of medical emergency or substitute for medical advice from your physician.
“I’d much rather tell a patient that their diagnosis is not serious and send
them home than tell them they should have come to the ER sooner,” said Dr.
Parker. “It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your
health or the health of a loved one.”
For more information on medical emergencies and how to prepare for emergency
visits, please visit
www.EmergencyCareForYou.org.
[Mike Baldyga, AMERICAN COLLEGE OF
EMERGENCY PHYSICIANS]
ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing
emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care
through continuing education, research and public education.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing
each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A
Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed
by military branches and other government agencies. |
