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Tuesday morning late summer, hot and sunny, I had this call: "Mom, I do not know what's wrong with me. My hands and arms are blue up to the elbows; my feet and my legs also up to the calves. I am with my father; we are on our way to the emergency room, "my youngest daughter informed me.
In her first week of school, she was wearing new jeans. The faculty of the school thought that it could be a dye product, worn on his hands and sent to wash it. While the chronometer counted, the blue too, engulfing his body.
Afraid of having something that was wrong with her heart, my 15 year old daughter was swept away, immediately and without hesitation, to receive an electrocardiogram (ECG). Although the test did not diagnose the immediate cause, it eliminated cardiac dysfunction. Other tests were needed to diagnose it. she had to stay close.
After seven long hours in the emergency room, we were finally able to administer these tests and see a doctor.
Why? How? could it take so long in an emergency room? Was it their fault?
Emergencies clbadify patients by severity (first and foremost) and (next) on a first-come, first-served basis. That's why we were able to get in so quickly for the EKG.
During the day, there were times when only standing was left. Were they all emergencies? Not exactly, and here lies the problem.
At one point, people started using their local emergency room instead of making an appointment with their primary care office or even going to an emergency care center; It has become a convenient, versatile and one-size-fits-all way for medicine.
When should we use emergencies, urgent care, make an appointment with a doctor or provider?
The following is a guideline only. This may not apply to you or your situation. If in doubt, go to the emergency department and always follow up with your primary care provider.
As a general rule, the emergency room is reserved for serious, life-threatening injuries. In other words, if the situation warrants, go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1. Some examples may include excessive bleeding that does not stop, severe burns and severe fractures, signs of stroke (confusion, change of vision, weakness or difficulty speaking), signs of stroke heart (chest pain, shortness of breath, pain or discomfort in the arms, back or jaw, difficulty breathing or discomfort) and seizures.
The great thing about urgent care is that they are usually open after hours, weekends and holidays. Their goal is to meet urgent needs, but do not put life in danger. Some examples may include minor fractures, bones, sprains and strains; eye injuries; infections such as streptococci, ears, bladder and others; Rashes; minor cuts and burns; and symptoms of colds and flu.
Your primary health care office is usually open during working hours, for example Monday to Friday from 8 am to 3 pm, some offering more advanced schedules.
Most minor illnesses or injuries must wait for your primary care provider to badess your needs. If you have concerns or questions, most offices have after-hours services and can guide you.
Remember that the best care is preventive care. Planning annual reviews can help you stay healthy.
Staying outside the emergency rooms when it does not threaten your life, saves you valuable time, and maybe even a lifetime. And if it was your life or that of your beloved.
In the case of my daughter, her father called her primary care provider. She told him to take her to the emergency immediately.
My daughter was diagnosed with Raynaud's syndrome, vascular disease, or blood vessel disorder, resulting in a restriction of blood flow through cold or stress.
Gina Paradiso is a health care educator. She is pbadionate about service to others and the quality of patient care. Gina attended Regis University and Colorado State University-Pueblo. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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