ER Prep Skills

The emergency room (ER) can be an intimidating place for those who've never visited before. Of course, most trips to an ER are unplanned, but there are some simple steps you can take to be prepared and help make your visit go as smoothly as possible.

It's important to understand the system by which patients are seen and receive treatment. Typically you'll be assessed by a triage team shortly after checking in. Patients are then treated based on the severity of their symptoms or suspected condition, not by order of arrival. So depending on your condition, your wait to see an ER doctor may be longer than someone who requires more urgent medical care.

Why the Wait?

It's best to bring a photo ID and your health insurance card if you have one. However, delaying care during a medical emergency is never advised. Don't spend too much time looking for your insurance information if you can't find it easily. We can always get that information later.

You should also bring a list or be prepared to share current medications you are taking, drug allergies, chronic medical conditions and any recent medical procedures you've had. You'll also want to provide a secondary contact such as a spouse, relative or someone you'd like us to share medical information with. Finally, consider bringing a copy of your living will or medical proxy if you have one. This will help ensure that care providers follow any directives you may have. It's also a good idea to bring a support person such as a family member or friend who can help you, especially if you're in severe pain or find it difficult to drive, walk or perform simple tasks.

Even though the wait might be longer than you expected, don't exaggerate your symptoms. Honesty is the best policy. Exaggerating your symptoms, even a little, can complicate the diagnostic process and lead to an unnecessarily longer visit. If your symptoms worsen after check-in, notify the nurse or front desk staff immediately. Try to provide as many details about your illness or injury as possible. If you don't understand a question or instruction from a care provider, ask for clarification. Be sure to ask if you need to follow up with your primary care doctor or a specialist.

Be considerate of those around you. Like you, most people in the ER are dealing with a medical emergency. Stress levels can be high. Try to help keep the ER a calm environment. Silence your cellphone and step outside to take a call. Remember to cover your cough, and use a tissue when you sneeze. If you or anyone you're with is coughing or running a fever, you should wear a mask that covers both your nose and mouth.

Take the short quiz below to see how much you remember about ER prep.

1. Which are among the most common reasons people seek emergency care?
A: Abdominal and chest pain
B: Broken bones and fractures
C: Shortness of breath
D: Headaches
E: All of the above

2. What day of the week is busiest in the ER?
A: Saturday
B: Sunday
C: Monday
D: Wednesday

3. How many pieces of important health information should you bring to the ER?
A. 5
B: 4
C: 3
D: 2

4. Who gets seen first at the ER?
A. Older patients
B. Younger patients
C. Whoever gets there first
D. Patients with urgent conditions

Answers:

1. E — All of the above
Reasons to call 911 include shortness of breath, chest pain, uncontrollable bleeding or fractures where the broken bone has punctured the skin.

2. C — Monday
ERs see the most traffic on Mondays, due in part to patients thinking they could "sleep off" weekend ailments or injuries. The hours between 12 and 10 p.m. are also busy, while 4 to 9 a.m. is usually quiet.

3. A — 5
Before heading for the ER, make sure you have:

• a copy of your photo ID
• your insurance card
• a list of current medications, drug allergies, chronic medical conditions and any recent medical procedures you've had
• contact information for your relatives and doctor
• a copy of your living will or healthcare proxy (if applicable)

 

4. D – Patients with urgent emergencies are usually seen first.

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