When there is a medical emergency, acting fast is so very important. Sometimes, though, we aren’t sure whether something we or a loved one is experiencing is a true medical emergency, an urgent care issue or something that needs a regular doctor’s office visit. Here are some guidelines that may help.
First of all, I want to make it very clear that when in doubt, go to the emergency room and/or call your doctor. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Your doctor will not mind at all if you call for a problem that turns out to be nothing. Don’t hesitate because you are afraid of bothering a doctor or nurse; that is what they are there for, to treat you.
What is a true emergency?
Here is a general list of symptoms that usually indicate that there is a true emergency happening. They are in no particular order. This isn’t a complete list by any means. Again, when in doubt, get to an emergency room or contact emergency personnel.
- Trouble breathing
- Choking
- Chest pain
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Head injury
- Back injury
- Vomiting that won’t stop
- Poison
- Bad burn or wound
What is an urgent care issue?
Urgent care means that there is an issue that needs to be seen right away but is not life threatening or in need or emergency care. It is something that may not be able to wait for a regular office visit, although many urgent care needs can be addressed in the doctor’s office. Urgent care facilities are available close to many towns and in cities.
The first step when you have an urgent care issue is to call your doctor.
Some typical urgent care issues include the following:
- Bad sprain
- Fever that doesn’t go away
- Ear infection
- Cut or wound that is likely to require stitches
- Bad sore throat
- Stomach pains