Emergencies

In an emergency, the first thing to remember is "911". This is the telephone number to call from anywhere in the United States for immediate, skilled medical attention. While it is wise to have other important numbers regarding medical assistance (your personal doctor, poison control center, etc.) near your telephone, in a genuine emergency it is imperative to dial 911 first. In such situations, time is the most important factor in preventing damage or even loss of life. The operator handling your "911" call will immediately dispense the necessary help, both in terms of sending an ambulance and in routing your call to a counselor who will guide you through the situation until the ambulance arrives.

Emergency medicine in the U.S. is very high quality. Ambulance attendants, or paramedics, are highly trained in dealing with trauma and making split-second decisions that save lives. And many hospitals are equipped with trauma centers whose single purpose is handling emergency situations, including emergency surgery. In an emergency, you will begin to receive treatment immediately and will be taken to the facility that can best handle your situation, whether it be a trauma center, a burn treatment center, a cardiac treatment center (heart attacks), a children's hospital or a general hospital. If you are conscious, or if there is family member or friend with you, you or they will be asked for the name of your doctor, who will be summoned to the hospital to which you are taken.

If you have any specific condition (such as diabetes) or allergies to medications, it is wise to have that information with you at all times. This may be in the form of a medical alert bracelet or card in your wallet. Any pertinent information that can be supplied to the attending paramedics may save valuable time and therefore is of the utmost importance.

Situations that demand immediate medical attention but which may not necessarily be emergencies include animal bites and small puncture wounds or lacerations.

If you have young children, it is wise to have the number of a poison control center handy.

Always call "911" in an emergency situation, involving breathing difficulties, chest pains, dizziness or unconsciousness. However, if a child has ingested a questionable substance but is not showing symptoms call your local poison control center. Such substances can include medications, cleaning products or other products found around the home, or plant matter (many fairly common and seemingly innocuous plants are in fact highly toxic). It is a good idea to have a bottle of syrup of ipecac in your medicine cabinet. This induces vomiting and you may be counseled to administer it to your child. Never give syrup of ipecac without the guidance of a qualified medical person to monitor the situation.

Keep in mind that while emergency care here in the U.S. is excellent, it is also expensive. There will be a fee for the ambulance, the emergency room, any medications administered, the services of doctors involved, and any tests or special procedures involved. While it is important never to hesitate when there is a genuine emergency, these services are not intended for situations where a call to your doctor or a visit to a walk-in clinic would be sufficient.

An additional note about "911": This number is also used in police emergencies, and therefore is not limited to medical situations. Any time you are in serious danger, witness an accident or a crime in progress, call this number.