Emergency: Are You Ready?

During a medical emergency, time is of the essence. Every second counts when your body is in crisis. Knowing where to seek critical care can mean the difference between life and death.

A medical emergency can strike at any place and anytime. Hospital ER staff work hard around the clock treating all sorts of trauma, pediatric, psychiatric, gynecological, surgical and many more medical emergencies every day. Therefore, the need for adequate resources in the ER is great. This includes well-trained physicians, skilled nurses, and able paramedical staff, who are ready and on point.

The diligent healthcare professionals at Memorial Heights ER in Houston, TX are always prepared to manage emergencies. We diagnose and treat serious conditions including accidents, trauma victims, heart attack, brain stroke, fainting, external bleeding and more with a quick response time.

Tips to Handle Emergencies

Call Memorial Heights ER if you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency. We will have a well-equipped ambulance and trained staff by your side in mere minutes. You will receive the medical attention immediately if need be.

Heart Attack

If you or someone around you complain of chest pain, sweating and nausea, these could be signs of a heart attack. If available, chew or administer one aspirin tablet and seek immediate medical care. If directed, start CPR. The chances of survival are much greater if the patient gets to the hospital within an hour of onset. Call 911 at the first sign of trouble.

Fainting

If you feel faint, sit or lie down and seek help. Lower your head between your knees if you are in a seated position. If someone near you faints, have the patient sit upright. Make sure the person’s airways are clear. Look for signs of good circulation like coughing, movement or breathing. Call an ambulance immediately.

Brain Stroke

Brain stroke is a major medical emergency that demands immediate treatment. The sooner the patient receives medical assistance the better chance of minimal brain damage. Remember the acronym F.A.S.T so never forget the warning signs:

• Face: Drooping on one side of the face when attempting to smile
• Arms: When trying to lift both arms, one remains lower than the other
• Speech: Repeated sentences or slurred speech
• Time: Time is of the essence

Spinal Injury

In the case of spinal injury, keep the patient still. Position heavy towels or blankets on either side of the neck and secure the head and neck in place. Apply any necessary first aid without moving the patient, particularly the head and neck. Do not remove any headwear or a helmet. Call for medical assistance immediately.

Severe External Bleeding

Apply pressure directly to a bleeding wound with a clean cloth or gauze. Hold the force until the bleeding stops. You may need to keep continuous pressure on the would for 20 minutes or longer. If a clean cloth or towel is not available, put pressure with your hands. Seek medical attention immediately.