Emergency Center
It's an Emergency - Don't Wait!
Television writers would have us believe that today's emergency department handles a constant stream of life-and-death situations. True, emergency medicine was created for the immediate care of urgent medical situations. Now, however, stubbed toes and stomachaches are sandwiched between gunshot wounds and fractured skulls. The Hackley Emergency Center wants you to know you can come at any time with any concern. But there are some conditions that cannot be ignored. Here's a guide to help you recognize some problems that warrant immediate attention and, when ignored, could become life threatening:
Chest pain. Pressure or crushing pain in the middle of the chest, pain that radiates down the arm or into the jaw, neck or back should not be ingnored. Pain that is accompanied by weakness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, nausea or difficulty breathing are other signs that should be taken seriously. The best course of action with these symptoms is to bypass your doctor's office and call 911. The paramedics are better equipped to handle cardiac arrest than most doctors' offices.
Confusion or altered consciousness. Sudden onset of confusion, memory loss, or loss of awareness or consciousness could signal a stroke or other serious problem. Even if the loss of consciousness is only temporary, you should seek treatment immediately.
Breathing Difficulty. Having difficulty breathing can be a sign of a blood clot in the lungs, a heart attack, an asthma attack or a serious allergic reaction. Seek immediate care for breathing difficulties. Other signs that should not be ignored are rapid heartbeat, sweating, loud wheezing, dizziness, weakness, a swollen toungue, pale and clammy skin, or bluish coloring around the lips.
Severe abdominimal pain. This can be a sign of appendicitis, bowel obstruction or organ perforation, expecially if accompanied by fever, vomiting, swelling or tenderness, bloody diarrhea or pain located in one area.
Numbness, tingling, weakness or paralysis. Seek help if one side of the body is affected. Blurred vision, slurred speech dizziness or confusion are also signs that require immediate medical help.
Fractures. Jagged edges of fractured bones can damage surrounding tissues, blood vessels or nerves. Any suspected fractures should be evaluated and set in an emergency department.
Fever with rash. A fever accompanied by a rash could be a sign of meningitis and should be evaluated quickly. Other symptoms include stiff neck, sensitivity to bright lights and vomiting.
Headache. A headache accompanied by drowsiness, confusion, weaknes, nausea, vomiting, or fever could be a sign of several serious problems and should be evaluated. The sudden onset of a severe headache also should be evaluated immediately.
