To The ER?

By Kathleen A. Handal, MD

While you never plan to go to an ER if it happens, you'll want to be prepared and know what to expect. Authoritative suggestions can assit you during an emergency room visit. Being prepared forehand will not only ease your concern but will help medical staff caring for you. Easy and quick to read this focused aspect is for everyone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kathleen A. Handal, MD
• Release date: Jun 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311797421

Kathleen A. Handal, MD

Doc Handal, M.D. is a nationally and internationally known emergency medicine ‘Doc’. She believes physicians have a responsibility to teach and share medical common sense.

Book preview

Be Prepared to Act Quickly and Correctly

We see two types of patients in the ER. We see patients with sudden onset of an illness or injury, such as victims of a car accident, drowning, stroke or heart attack. Next, we see patients who have had a problem for a while and the signs and symptoms are worsening or not going away, such as redness and swelling in the leg, abdominal pain, and fever. These problems may not be urgent but can have the potential for becoming critical at any time. The appendix that’s causing lower quadrant pain and discomfort for hours can burst and become a medical emergency, requiring immediate surgery and antibiotics. Remember, seconds may count and the clock starts ticking long before you get to the ER. The better prepared you are to act quickly and correctly at the first signs of a medical emergency can make all the difference.

Here are ten steps you can take now to get ready for a medical emergency and if necessary a trip to the ER. A detailed explanation of each step will follow.

CREATE AN EMERGENCY INFORMATION SHEET (EIS)

STOCK YOUR FIRST AID KIT AND YOUR MEDICINE CABINET

LEARN FIRST AID AND READ YOUR FIRST AID BOOK

MAKE A MEDICAL HISTORY / MEDICATIONS LIST

KNOW YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE

GET YOUR LEGAL DOCUMENTS IN ORDER

GET TO KNOW YOUR ER

PREPARE YOUR CHILDREN FOR THE ER 

KNOW WHEN TO GO TO THE ER

GET READY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)

1. Create an Emergency Info Sheet (EIS)

An EIS is a great timesaver. When minutes count you don’t want to be fumbling through the phone book or looking on the web for a phone number. Take the time now to fill in all the necessary phone numbers and the information the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) dispatcher will need to know to send an ambulance. Post a copy of your EIS sheet next to all the phones in the house and office and place a copy in your first aid kit. Make sure everyone at work and in the house, including children, babysitters and caregivers, are familiar with the numbers and how to call for help.

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Make sure all your phone directories (work, home, cell) include the entry ICE (In Case of Emergency). ICE contact is the person you want EMS to call if you’re ill or injured. Make sure your children’s phones contain an ICE entry, too! Technology has offered smartphone apps