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When should I go to the emergency department?
When you suspect heart attack, stroke or other serious medical conditions, you should call 9-1-1 so that the EMTs can administer life-saving techniques while you are en route to the emergency department. Sometimes it is obvious when to go the emergency department, such as large lacerations, obvious broken bones, chest pain or inability to breath. Other times it is not so clear. Generally, if you are feeling sick or have been injured and you feel it is an emergency, then you should come to the ED. Some general guidelines include:
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Lacerations greater than half an inch or gaping (showing fat and underlying tissue) or have bleeding that does not stop with 10-15 minutes of pressure.
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Severe pain of any kind
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Nausea and Vomiting that is severe, prolonged (greater than a day) or keeps you from taking in any fluid
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Abdominal pain that gets much worse when you move
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Severe weakness or any weakness confined to one side.
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A new headache that is sudden and acute or associated with any unusual symptoms (confusion, weakness, abnormal speech).
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Fever in a very young child (less than a month old)
If you have a primary doctor, however, he or she can often help you with the decision. Some illnesses can be treated at home or be seen in an office and may not require care in an emergency department. If your doctor cannot see you right away, or if you do not have a primary care physician, you should go to the emergency department.
How long will I have to wait in the emergency department before someone sees me?
How long you will have to wait depends upon the severity of your illness or injury and whether or not there are people with more serious conditions waiting as well. As you may suspect, we have to treat the most severely injured or sick first, but if your illness or injury is minor, we may ask you to go to our Fast Track area where you will be seen quickly.
What should I take with me to the emergency department?
if you are currently taking any medications, including herbal or over the counter medications, please take a list of those medications with you to the emergency department.
Should I phone my doctor before I go to the emergency department?
It depends on the symptoms. While it is often best to phone your doctor, if you are experiencing severe chest pains, shortness of breath or signs of a stroke, calling an ambulance and coming as fast as possible to the hospital may be the best course of action. In general, you should phone your primary or specialty care physician before you go to the emergency department as he or she may want to phone the department to discuss your condition with our emergency physicians before you arrive or be able to evaluate you in their office in the circumstances permit.
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