Not every medical event requires a trip to the emergency room. Treatments at these facilities can be expensive and entirely unnecessary if they can wait until you get an appointment with your primary care healthcare professional.
Some people rush to the ER with medical concerns that could be addressed at a local clinic. This causes a backlog of patients and endless hours of waiting.
Here are instances where a trip to the ER is unavoidable:
Heart concerns
If someone has difficulty breathing and is experiencing chest pains, these symptoms cannot be ignored. In addition to a sharp pain radiating from the chest into the arm, they could mean someone is having a heart attack. A heart attack requires urgent attention from medical professionals.
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body accompanied by confusion and slurred speech could indicate a stroke. The sooner it is treated, the less likely a stroke will have severe effects that could require time spent in a rehab facility. This treatment is expensive, and many people go into debt to finance it. PersonalMoneyStore advocates assistance to help with the five money mistakes you might be making now that could affect your ability to pay medical bills. This includes having emergency savings for events like these.
Cognitive challenges
If a loved one displays a change in their mental state, get them to an ER. Their behavior could indicate a psychotic break or suicidal ideation, making them a potential risk to themselves and others. ER doctors can treat these patients until they are transferred to an appropriate psychiatric facility.
Another cognitive event that requires emergency attention is a seizure, especially if the patient has no known history of having fits. The brain and body can be damaged or wounded during a seizure, and medical professionals need to do an immediate evaluation.
A concussion sets in after a head injury, such as one you might sustain in a car accident. A concussion can be fatal if left untreated.
Pregnancy
No expectant mother wants to risk her baby’s life. While most gynecological issues can be resolved during regular doctor’s appointments, some emergencies might occur that need immediate treatment.
Vaginal bleeding, also known as ‘spotting,’ indicates that something is wrong, such as the onset of a miscarriage. Sometimes, it does not affect the pregnancy, although it is better to be safe than sorry. Pregnant women who experience excessive thirst might have developed gestational diabetes and need immediate treatment.
In the final stages of gestation, some women develop high blood pressure. When gestational hypertension becomes preeclampsia, both mother and baby are at risk.
Cuts, lacerations, fractures, and broken bones
Any cuts or lacerations that are large and deep cannot heal properly without being stitched. Closing a wound helps with blood clotting and prevents bacteria from infecting the area. Facial lacerations are best treated early to avoid scarring. Eye injuries should also be taken seriously as they can harm your vision.
Any suspected fractured or broken bone requires emergency treatment. Doctors can evaluate the injury’s extent and determine the way forward. Typically, this requires resetting the bone and encasing it in a cast or brace. You should also report to the emergency room if you have dislocated a joint.
Severe cold and flu symptoms
Suspected COVID-19 infections aside, you should also report to an emergency room if you have a fever that does not break or any severe cold and flu symptoms. These include coughing fits, rashes, and difficulty breathing.
Untreated fevers that spiral out of control can lead to life-threatening seizures. Severe cold and flu symptoms could be indicative of a more severe illness, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or other pneumococcal diseases.