Advice For Going to the Emergency Room

Visiting the emergency room can be a stressful experience, whether you’re in for a serious accident or are experiencing summertime sickness or a really bad sunburn. To ensure you’re prepared and to make your trip to the emergency room as smooth as possible, consider the following advice for going to the emergency room in the summer:

1. Know your medical history: Be ready to inform the medical staff about any existing conditions, allergies, or medications you’re taking.
2. Have emergency contacts ready: Ensure you have a list of emergency contacts and any necessary medical documents with you.
3. Don’t drive yourself: If possible, have someone else drive you to the emergency room to avoid any further injury or stress.
4. Stay calm and ask questions: It’s natural to feel anxious in the emergency room, but try to stay calm and ask questions if you don’t understand something.
5. Bring your health insurance card and copay: If you have insurance or Medicare/Medicaid, having your information ready will make the process easier and may save you money.

Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore each piece of advice on how to prepare for the ER in more detail, providing insights and additional tips to help you manage your emergency room visit during the summer months.

1. Know your medical history

It’s important to have a good understanding of your own medical history and any current conditions you are being treated for. This includes being aware of: 

• Any medications you are taking
• Allergies you have (particularly to medications)
• Past surgeries or trips to the hospital
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease

Knowing this information can significantly speed up the diagnostic process and ensure you receive the most appropriate care. It’s a good idea to keep a small card or note in your wallet or purse with this information listed or consider using a medical ID bracelet. This can be especially helpful in situations where you may not be able to communicate well with your medical team.

2. Have emergency contacts ready

It’s crucial to have a list of emergency contacts available and easily accessible during a visit to the emergency room. This list should include family members, close friends, and your primary care physician or specialists involved in your care. 

Make sure these contacts are aware that they have been designated as such in case of any family medical emergency, and provide them with any information they might need to help in your care or decision-making process. 

Additionally, having these contacts saved in your phone with a designating prefix, such as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency), can help emergency responders quickly identify whom to contact on your behalf. Preparing these contacts before you need them can be invaluable in situations where you might be unable to communicate your needs directly.

3. Don’t drive yourself

Whether you’re experiencing the signs and symptoms of severe dehydration or a possible heart attack, it’s never a good idea to drive yourself to the emergency room. In these situations, you may not be in the right state of mind to drive safely or make quick decisions on the road. 

Instead, call for an ambulance or have a family member or friend take you to the hospital. This way, you can focus on your health and well-being without having to worry about navigating traffic or finding parking at the hospital.

4. Stay calm and ask questions

Remaining calm in the emergency room can significantly impact your overall experience. Anxiety and stress can exacerbate your condition, making it more difficult for healthcare providers to assess and treat you accurately. Take deep breaths and try to maintain a level of calmness. 

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your care, tests, and treatments. Understanding the steps that are being taken for your health can not only ease your mind but also help you make informed decisions about your medical care. Remember, medical staff are there to help you, and clear communication is key to receiving the best possible care.

Learn more about how to remain calm during a medical emergency

5. Bring your health insurance card and copay

Always have your health insurance card and any necessary payment for copays readily available when visiting the emergency room. When you get to the ER, you’ll likely be asked for these items, so keeping them in an easy-to-reach place will save time and reduce stress during what can already be a tense situation. 

Furthermore, understanding your insurance coverage beforehand will give you a clearer picture of what services are covered and could help you avoid unexpected costs down the line. If you are unsure about your coverage, call your insurance provider before heading to the ER or on the way.

Here at Complete Care, we never want billing to stand between you and the care you need. View our insurance information to learn more about our fully transparent billing process. Even if insurance can’t help, Complete Care still can.

When to go to the emergency room

Determining reasons to go to the hospital or freestanding ER can sometimes be challenging, especially when you’re not sure if your situation is a true emergency. However, certain situations and symptoms are always worth seeking out immediate medical attention. If you experience symptoms such as: 

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding
• Intense abdominal pain
• Signs of a stroke (such as sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body) 
• You’ve been in a serious accident
• Severe allergic reaction symptoms (skin rash, swelling of lips or tongue, shortness of breath, dizziness)
• Sudden, severe pain

In these moments, every second counts, and prompt medical intervention can be lifesaving. Always err on the side of caution; if you believe your health is in serious jeopardy, do not hesitate to go to the emergency room or call for emergency services.

Choose Complete Care freestanding ER for your emergency needs

When going to the emergency room, especially during busier times like summer, have your insurance card and medical history on hand, arrange alternate transportation if possible, and maintain calmness while asking pertinent questions for clarity.

When the unexpected hits, even if it’s as seemingly minor as a small cut that won’t stop bleeding, choose Complete Care’s 24/7, freestanding emergency room. Remember, since emergency rooms in hospitals operate on a triage system, treating the most severe conditions first, the wait time can vary depending on the severity of cases ahead of you. However, visiting a freestanding, full-service emergency room like Complete Care ensures you receive the highest quality of care without the long wait times often associated with traditional hospital ERs. 

Our fully equipped, state-of-the-art facilities are throughout Texas (Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, and San Antonio) and in Colorado Springs.

No matter what your emergency is, we’re here to take complete care of you.

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