In the midst of a healthcare crisis, it can sometimes be difficult to determine if it warrants a visit to the emergency room. Emergency Room Medical Director James Rhee, MD, FACMT, FACEP, FAAEM, says there are differences between the ER and traditional urgent care centers, such as the level of care that can be provided. He shares some helpful tips to help you determine the best option.
Q: How do I know when emergency care is needed?
Assess the situation and determine if the person’s life would be in danger or if the person’s health would be harmed by not going to the emergency room. If “yes,” then you should call 9-1-1 and seek care immediately.
Q: What constitutes a true emergency?
There are several conditions considered an emergency because they require quick treatment or surgical intervention. Examples include difficulty breathing, possible stroke or heart attack, unexplained seizures, sudden intense pain, broken bones, blurred or double vision, choking, and profuse bleeding. The ER is equipped to handle these health conditions, and specialists can be consulted quickly if needed.
Q: What are signs of a possible heart attack or stroke?
The most common symptoms of a possible heart attack include chest pain and shortness of breath. For possible stroke, watch for facial drooping, inability to raise both arms and slurring of speech. All of these symptoms warrant immediate medical attention in the ER.
Learn more about emergency services at Corona Regional
Q: What if you have a minor health concern, but don’t want to wait for care?
Going to the ER for non-emergent health issues can cause delays for people who truly need emergency care. If your doctor’s office is unavailable and your concern can’t wait, consider visiting a local urgent care instead. However, if you are unclear whether your health problem represents a medical emergency, get to the ER or call 911.