Every year, millions of Americans face situations where they must decide whether to visit the emergency room (ER). In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported approximately 155 million ER visits nationwide.
Knowing when to go to the ER can save lives, reduce complications, and ensure timely care. This guide highlights signs and symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention, organized by emergency categories, to help you make informed decisions about the type of care you or a loved one may need.
What Are the Signs You Should Go to the ER?
Certain symptoms demand immediate attention. While some health concerns can wait for an urgent care clinic or a doctor’s appointment, others indicate an emergency requiring ER services. How do you know when to go to the ER, urgent care, or a walk-in clinic?
Life-Threatening Symptoms
Everyone deserves access to excellent healthcare, especially in a crisis. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms, call 911 or go to the ER immediately:
- Chest pain or pressure. This could indicate a heart attack, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or nausea.
- Severe difficulty breathing. Breathing issues can range in severity and may be related to asthma, pneumonia, or a severe allergic reaction. Prompt response is warranted.
- Uncontrolled bleeding. Any wound that won’t stop bleeding despite applying pressure requires immediate attention.
- Loss of consciousness. Fainting or being unresponsive may signify a severe health issue, such as a blood pressure problem, stroke, or traumatic injury.
- Seizures. New or prolonged seizures, particularly in someone without a prior diagnosis, warrant emergent care.
Stroke Symptoms
A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate care. Do a quick assessment using the acronym FAST to determine whether someone is having a stroke:
- F: Facial droop
- A: Arm weakness
- S: Speech difficulty
- T: Time to call 911
Don’t wait! Getting to the ER quickly when a stroke is a possibility can significantly impact patient outcomes for recovery.
Injuries
While some minor injuries can be cared for at home, others demand immediate ER attention. This list can help you determine if you need to make your way to the hospital:
- Broken bones. Visible deformities or inability to move a limb.
- Head trauma. Loss of consciousness, vomiting, or confusion after a head injury.
- Burns. Severe burns, particularly on the face, hands, or joints.
- Deep wounds. Cuts that expose muscle or bone, or animal bites.
It is always better to be safe than sorry. Attention and care from trained experts will put your mind at ease and ensure the patient’s safety when health situations are critical.
Pediatric Emergencies
Our littlest family members deserve quick, skilled care. Children’s symptoms can escalate quickly, and these signs should prompt an ER visit:
- High fever. Especially in infants under six months old.
- Severe dehydration. Minimal urine output, dry mouth, confusion, or lethargy.
- Difficulty breathing. Rapid or irregular breathing, persistent wheezing, flared nostrils, pulling in of chest muscles with each breath, or bluish lips or fingertips can all indicate a medical emergency.
- Unusual rash. Any rash accompanied by fever or that spreads rapidly to other areas.
Children often can’t speak up for themselves, so awareness of their normal patterns can help you quickly identify when something needs medical attention.
Mental Health Crises
Mental health emergencies should not be overlooked. Seek immediate help for yourself or whoever experiences:
- Thoughts of self-harm or harm to others
- Sudden, severe confusion or paranoia
- Symptoms of a panic attack that don’t subside
Mental health issues can escalate quickly and need to be mitigated for the protection of the patient and others.
Differentiating ER Needs by Emergency Type
Understanding the urgency of your symptoms helps determine whether an ER visit is necessary. Below, we organize emergencies into categories to clarify what warrants immediate care.
Cardiac and Respiratory Emergencies
Conditions involving the heart or lungs can rapidly become life-threatening. These are signs to watch for that indicate you should visit the ER:
- Persistent chest pain, especially with arm or jaw pain
- Sudden, severe shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Rapid, irregular heartbeat
Neurological Emergencies
Neurological issues can indicate other serious underlying conditions. Seek emergency care for:
- Sudden, severe headaches
- Sudden vision changes
- Drooping facial muscles, or loss of muscle control
- Confusion, dizziness, or slurred speech
Severe Allergic Reactions
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate intervention. Symptoms include:
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives or widespread itching
- Rapid heartbeat or dizziness
Do not wait. The quicker you or your loved one receive proper medical attention, the better the prognosis.
Preparing for an ER Visit
If you know when to go to the ER, taking proactive steps can streamline your care:
- Bring identification and insurance information and have them available at check-in.
- Bring a list of medications and allergies to help doctors avoid adverse reactions
- Describe symptoms clearly, including when they started and what worsens or alleviates them
The better prepared you are upon your arrival at the ER, the quicker we can provide the care you need.
Why Choose East Adams Rural Healthcare ER?
When emergencies strike, East Adams Rural Healthcare offers compassionate, expert care. Our Emergency Room handles critical health issues to provide the prompt attention our patients need.
We prioritize:
- Reduced wait times. Our facility minimizes delays and offers care quickly.
- Expert care. Staffed with experienced emergency physicians and nurses.
- Community-focused service. We understand and address the unique needs of rural populations.
East Adams Rural Healthcare is here to keep the residents of Ritzville and the surrounding area safe and healthy. Knowing when to go to the ER can save a life. Visit our website to learn more about our emergency room services at EARH and how we can support you during critical situations.
