When to use the Emergency Room

Reasons to go to the emergency room:

• Loss of consciousness/change in consciousness/seizure
• Severe shortness of breath
• Sudden, severe pain (abdominal, chest, head) which is not relieved with over-the-counter medication.
• A major injury
• Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure, or a deep cut which may need stitches in order to stop the bleeding.
• Poisoning or overdose
• Severe or worsening reaction to an insect bite or sting, or to a medication, especially if breathing is difficult
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Suicidal or homicidal feelings
• Severe vaginal bleeding which may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy

Conditions which could probably wait until Health Services is open may include:

• Fever which goes down with Tylenol or aspirin
• Sore throat, colds, cough, earache
• Minor cuts or burns
• Skin rash
• Mild nausea with vomiting or diarrhea without fever
• Mild burning or irritation on urination
• Chronic joint or muscle pain/strain

Last Modified: Friday, April 06, 2007 17:53