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