Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/872903
WHEN IN DOUBT, THE CHOICE IS CLEAR Making a wise medical care destination decision is important, but it is not as critical as getting help when it is needed. The bottom line is that people should not hesitate to go to the ED if they are not sure what to do. "Patients should trust their instincts when deciding whether or not their condition requires emergency care," says Dr. Vaccari. "If someone who is typically healthy begins to experience severe chest or abdominal pain, symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, A N E D C A R E K I T When a medical emergency occurs,there is not a lot of time to gather essential items that doctors may need to help diagnose and treat patients. Prepare for the unexpected. Keep a list of current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements readily accessible. On the same list, include allergies with descriptions of reactions experienced, personal and family health information, emergency contacts and primary care doctor information. has difficulty breathing or suspects a broken bone, that person should seek care at the ED." "Often, the most important therapy we give in the ED is reassurance, like telling patients that the chest pain they experienced isn't a heart attack," Dr. Melniker says. "We would much rather have patients visit the ED and find out something is not as serious as they thought than fail to seek help for something that turns out to be critical." P H Y S I C I A N RE F E R R A L / / 718 . 49 9. C A RE 19