For many, a visit to the emergency room happens out of convenience. Something is wrong and they couldn’t get an appointment with their primary care physician, or it’s a night or weekend when they are not available. But in many instances, emergency room visits are being made for non-emergency conditions and situations. This is a problem because it diverts the resources away from those with true emergencies to others who are simply in discomfort.
It’s important that everyone understand what the ER is for, and what it is not for. That’s why we’ve put together this brief blog, to remind you about what constitutes an emergency situation and what you can do in the event of some non-emergency situations that may occur.
An emergency is a situation with immediate, life-threatening consequences. It is something that requires the fast action of a professional.
Some examples are:
- Not breathing/difficulty breathing
- Choking
- Broken bones
- Heart attack or stroke
- Severe bleeding or burns
In the event that an emergency occurs, call 911. When you visit the emergency room, try to have your ID, insurance card, medication and health history information with you, if possible. The best way to deal with an emergency when it occurs is simply to be as prepared as you possibly can. Consider taking the steps below:
- Learn CPR and first aid techniques
- Keep a first aid kit as well as an instructional card or handbook nearby
- Have emergency phone numbers clearly posted
- Know the location of the closest emergency facilities to your home and work
- Know your insurance policy and carry your card with you
If a situation occurs that you know is not an emergency but there is talk of going to the emergency room, look at all the options before deciding to act, and determine whether or not there is anything you can do to safely remedy the situation. Below is a list of items you should keep around your home and work to help you deal with non-emergency situations:
- Bandages, gauze, and tape
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Moist towelettes
- Flashlight and batteries
- Nasal bulb syringe
- Scissors
- Elastic wrap
- Pain and fever medications
- Antibacterial ointments
We hope this has been a helpful reminder about the emergency room and how to deal with emergency and non-emergency situations at work and home. If you have any specific questions about how to deal with any emergency situation at work, please contact a member of your Liquid Trucking Benefits managers.