If you're sick or hurt and want help quickly, it may seem like a good idea to go to the emergency room (ER) for care. You may be surprised to know that this isn't always your best option.
You may think of the ER as a source of the most immediate medical attention, but if your situation is not a real emergency, this isn't true.
When should I call the paramedics (911) or go to the ER? Call the paramedics of go to the Emergency Room (ER) when you have any of the following conditions:
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Sudden numbness
- Weakness, disorientation or difficulty speaking
- Severe pain
- Sudden severe headache without a history of migraine headaches
- Severe bleeding or a deep wound
- Loss of consciousness
- Broken bones
If you do need emergency services it is good to know that the
Emergency & Trauma Center
at Northridge Hospital is a
Level II Trauma Center
equipped to provide the highest levels of emergency care to the most critically ill and injured patients. It is open 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week.
Your health care provider is a great source of help for choosing what's right for your situation. Call and describe your symptoms, ask questions and get information that can help you decide whether you should go to the ER. You may just need to make an appointment to see your provider or use self-care measures at home.
Choosing a personal physician may be the best medicine around. Studies show that when patients are satisfied with how they can discuss problems with their doctors, they tend to recover from illnesses more easily. Making informed choices will result in better care, and ultimately, save you time and money. You can Find A Physician at Northridge Hospital online or by calling (818) 908-8677.
When a medical emergency arises, it's not always easy to think clearly. A crisis demands that you react quickly rather than spend time pondering the situation.
Learning about your options ahead of time will better equip you to act when an emergency does arise. If you do go to the ER, be aware that patients are treated in order by the severity of their injury or illness.
