When Should I Go to the Emergency Room?

All of us have been in a situation where we ask ourselves if we need to go to the emergency room for medical treatment. Whether we are evaluating a burn on our child, experiencing a strange chest pain, or one of our family members has a possible concussion, it is important that we think and act fast. It’s best to always be prepared, and to know the answers to the most common questions to help you decide whether or not you need to go to your nearest ER.

1. I am experiencing chest pain. Should I head to the emergency room?

If you are experiencing squeezing or crushing chest pain of any form or kind, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Common heart attack symptoms include vomiting or nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, an irregular pulse, lightheadedness, or pain that spreads through the chest, jaw, neck, and arms. Note that a heart attack can also seem like a minor or fleeting pain.

2. I have a head injury. Should I head to the emergency room?

Not all head injuries warrant an emergency room visit. However, if you have a head injury with certain symptoms, then it is best to go to the emergency room. These symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness at the time of the injury, vomiting or nausea, or deteriorating mental health.

3. I have a fever. Should I head to the emergency room?

Fevers might be caused by many things, but the most common cause is a viral infection. A viral infection tends to resolve on its own. However, if your fever is 103 degrees or higher, or if your symptoms lasts for more than a few days and increases with excessive sleepiness, confusion, sore throat, headache, a stiff neck, abdominal pain, swollen skin, or vomiting, you should seek medical care or head to the nearest ER. 

4. My child has a burn. Should I take him/her to the emergency room?

You need to identify where the burn is, the size of the burn, as well as its location. Go straight to the emergency room if the burn is on the face, ears, eyes, genitals, hands, or feet. Some shallow, superficial burns can be treated at home. They typically appear red and feel similar to sunburns, then blister after a day. Deeper burns blister right after the injury and cause a gray, whitish discoloration. Take your child to the nearest emergency room if the burn covers an area bigger than the palm of your hand.

Emergencies can happen anytime. From chest pains to an unexpected fever, Physicians Premier, your Cibolo ER, is here for you and your family 24/7.

Bookmark mdpremier.com to find your nearest ER or call (361) 986-0911.
Texas locations include: Corpus Christi ER, Portland ER, Calallen ER, Bulverde, & Bryan-College Station ER