Emergencies never work around our schedules. There’s no end to the number of things that could go wrong when you least expect it—believe us, we’ve seen it all! Maybe you’re at your son’s baseball game, and a ball hits you in the head. Maybe your daughter stepped on something sharp and needs stitches. Maybe you were on your way to work and got in a wreck at that same stoplight you stop at every single day.
There are times when it’s very obvious that you need to go to the emergency room, but not every situation is so cut and dry. It’s not always easy to know when you should go to the emergency room vs. urgent care, or if you should wait to see your primary care provider. But if you’re in doubt, a trip to the emergency room could turn out to be a life-saving decision.
You might be asking…what defines an emergency?
Great question!
An emergency is anything that is putting your life at risk or seriously impacting your quality of life. If you’re able to function normally, and can wait to see a doctor, then that is an appropriate plan. However, if your medical issue is impeding your ability to function then that counts as an emergency. For example, if you have a fever of 104º F, you may need emergency treatment for heat stroke.
At the end of the day, if you’re in pain and unable to go to your regular doctor, an emergency room trip is a valid option. Remember, you know your body better than anyone else. If you’re struggling to breathe, bleeding profusely, can’t hold food or fluids down, or in extreme pain—go to the emergency room.
What are some examples of medical emergencies?
The complete list of medical emergencies is a long one, but here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pains
- Severe abdominal pain
- Profuse bleeding
- Choking
- Inability to move limbs
- Burns
- High fever
- Inability to hold down food or fluids
Be Your Own Advocate
One of the most important things you can do is advocate for yourself. If you’re in pain and don’t have a way to see your regular doctor, the emergency room is available 24/7. If you need to use that resource, you should.
There are some life-threatening health issues that need to be treated right away. For example, if you have a UTI and are unable to see a doctor, an emergency room is a good option. If you let a UTI continue too long, it could impact your kidney function and quickly turn into a serious medical condition. Or, if you have severe abdominal pain, it could be a sign of appendicitis, and you’ll need to seek medical attention before your appendix ruptures.
Taking the time to care for yourself and get the treatment you need is the most important thing. There is no right or wrong way to ask for medical attention, and there’s no checklist that can tell everyone with a health concern how to handle it. Trust your gut.
Your life is too valuable to compromise.
Emergency Room Services for Everyone
Total Point ER is on a mission to save as many lives as possible. We are dedicated to providing access to quality, life-saving healthcare services to everyone who needs them. Regardless of your insurance or social status, we are here to help. If you live in Houston or the Dallas Fort Worth area, we’re sure to have a location nearby. Bookmark the nearest Total Point ER now, so you’ll be prepared for any unexpected emergencies.
Photo by Olga Kononenko on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 5/29/2024.