Ten Signs to get to the ER-STAT

1. Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath. Can be anything from pneumonia to a heart attack.

2.Chest or abdominal pain or pressure or jaw pain. May be a heart attack.      (Lab tests to evaluate the heart – C-reactive protein, homocysteine, LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol). Along with EKG and stress EKG tests( preventatively)

3.Fainting, trouble talking, dizziness. Can be signs of a stroke.

4.Changes in vision. May be a stroke or an eye emergency.

5.Confusion. Again, possibly a stroke.

6.Sudden or severe pain. What it may signal depends on location, but it always needs to be checked.

7.Uncontrolled bleeding. continuous bleeding can lead to collapse.

8.Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea. May be food poisoning or an infection in small children and the elderly, can lead to dehydration.

9.Coughing up or vomiting blood. Sign of internal injury or illness.

10.Unusual abdominal pain. Can be a sign of gastrointestinal or gynecologic emergency.

Your Emergency grap and go file

Having your medical information with you will speed things in the ER. But you may be distracted as you head out or unable to gather it all. So in advance, create a file for each member of the family that includes: 1. A short medical history, including past surgeries or major problems 2. Current medical conditions 3. Doctors and their phone numbers 3. Medications 4. Immunizations 5. Allergies (especially drugs, latex)  4. Insurance information     If an emergency strikes before you’ve prepared a file, grab the patient’s medicine bottles ( if any) and insurance into, It’s also crucial to give signed medical consent forms for your kids to babysitters or anyone who might need to bring the kids to the hospital.                                    – Linda Lawrence M.D.