When Should I visit the ED?

Knowing when you or someone you know needs emergency attention can be critical. An emergency is defined as a serious medical condition or symptom caused by an injury or sickness, or mental illness, which arises suddenly and requires immediate care and treatment to avoid death or disability.

An emergency may include:

• A suspected stroke
• A suspected heart attack
• Complicated fractures
• Poisoning
• Deep Wounds
• Vomiting/coughing up blood
• Major head injury
• Severe allergic reactions
• Extreme difficulty breathing
• Severe Burns

It is important to be prepared at all times for an emergency. It is advised that you keep an information card on you at all times with the following information in addition to having your insurance card and photo identification. It can help expedite treatment in the event of a medical emergency.

• Name & telephone number of your Primary Care Physician
• A list of your medications and any drug allergies
• Advance Directives: Living wills, Do-Not-Resuscitate orders, Power of Attorney, etc.