What to Know Before Visiting the Emergency Room

Any visit to the emergency can be frightening no matter what the cause. If you or someone you love has been injured or feels sick enough to seek emergency help, there are ways that can help you assist the staff in providing prompt treatment. These ten simple tips can make the experience less daunting for everyone involved:

1. Don't go the emergency room alone. Bring a spouse, a friend, relative, or even a neighbor. If your condition is serious, you may need someone to provide information and even if you're coherent, time passes more quickly with company. Most emergency rooms are understaffed due to nursing shortages. Busy nurses may not have the time to offer comfort while you wait so if you bring along a companion, he or she can ask for a cold compress for your head or a blanket from the warmer. Blanket warmers are universal in the ER and if you're cold or in shock, a warm blanket can help make you more comfortable until treatment is given. If you're very sick, you may need someone to collect treatment instructions and get you back home.

2. If you take any medications at all, bring a list along and if possible, bring the medications. The medical staff needs to know what drugs you are taking to avoid interaction problems. Should you need to be admitted, it's wise (and will save you a little money) to have your own meds.

3. Be honest. If you did something foolish that caused the injury, don't be too ashamed to tell the staff. Professionals will see through a story and knowing the facts may help them determine treatment. Don't lie about drinking if you've had a few beers - alcohol may affect any drugs administered. And, if you've been using drugs, speak up. If you don't, the results can be deadly. Most of all, if you might be pregnant, say so. And don't be offended if staff inquires about potential pregnancy. Until they know you're not, any female between the ages of 10 and 70, the possibility of pregnancy must be considered.