When to Seek Emergency Care

It can be sometimes difficult to know when to seek emergency care. Nobody wants to feel like they are overreacting to a situation. However, it is important to seek emergency care when there is a serious problem. If you do not know if your issue is serious enough to warrant emergency care, then take a look at the symptoms below that definitely warrant a visit to our emergency room.

• • Chest Pain

Chest pain should never be ignored. It is one of the main symptoms of a heart attack. If you or someone that you are with is experiencing severe chest pain, then do not ignore it. You should seek emergency help immediately.

• • Stroke

Every minute counts when a person is experiencing a stroke. If you suspect that you or a person near you is experiencing a stroke you should immediately call 911. Remember the acronym to help you identify if a person is having a stroke: FAST. FAST stands for: face, arms, speech, time.

• • • Face: Check to see if the person is experiencing facial droop by asking them to smile.
    • Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms up. Can they raise them equally, or does one drift away or down? Ask them if one arm feels weak or numb.
    • Speech: Is the person having difficulty understanding what you’re saying to them? Do they have trouble responding in complete sentences?
    • Time: Take note of the time that the stroke happened and call emergency services immediately.
  • Alcohol or Another Drug Emergency

Not ignore an alcohol or drug overdose. If you suspect that a person has alcohol poisoning or is undergoing a drug overdose, then you should seek emergency treatment immediately.

Here are some other serious symptoms and conditions that warrant a visit to our emergency room:

• • • Asthma
    • Abdominal Pain
    • Headaches/Migraines
    • Pneumonia

If you have any more questions, please give us a call. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.