On today’s mini edition of #shiftpERspectives, I’m going to arm you with pro tips on how to navigate an ER visit 🧵
1. Most importantly, if you need the ER, we are here for you. We will do our best to see you as quickly as possible. Please be patient with us. /1
1. Most importantly, if you need the ER, we are here for you. We will do our best to see you as quickly as possible. Please be patient with us. /1
2. Write things down - if your BP has been high, write down the numbers. If your kid has a fever, write down the temp and when their last dose of meds was.
3. Remember times - how long was the seizure? How long was the person unconscious? What time did the chest pain start? /2
3. Remember times - how long was the seizure? How long was the person unconscious? What time did the chest pain start? /2
4. Take photos! This might sound gross, but photos of poop and vomit or whatever you’re coughing up are VERY helpful. Rashes/infections too!
5. Similarly, take videos! Seizure? Weird movements? They help!
6. Bring your med list with you if you have it handy. /3
5. Similarly, take videos! Seizure? Weird movements? They help!
6. Bring your med list with you if you have it handy. /3
7. If you have gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea), please try not to eat/drink anything. Some tests/treatments require an empty stomach.
8. Same goes if you think you’ve broken a bone. Sedating you to reposition the bone requires an empty stomach. /4
8. Same goes if you think you’ve broken a bone. Sedating you to reposition the bone requires an empty stomach. /4
9. If your kid has a fever, PLEASE treat it (unless they’re under 1 month old). The wait might be long, and we want them to be comfortable.
10. Bring a book, podcast, snacks, water (unless you shouldn’t be drinking/eating) for the wait. /5
10. Bring a book, podcast, snacks, water (unless you shouldn’t be drinking/eating) for the wait. /5
11. I know it can be frustrating to see people who have waited less time get in quicker. It’s almost certainly because they’re more sick than you. We have to treat the sickest first. Please try to be patient with us. We really are doing our best! /6
12. If you’re worried you or your family member is getting sicker - please come up to the triage desk to tell us.
13. If you can, call you family doc first to see if they can help before coming to the ER.
/7
#er #emergencyroom #waitingroom #health #triage #abhealth
13. If you can, call you family doc first to see if they can help before coming to the ER.
/7
#er #emergencyroom #waitingroom #health #triage #abhealth
14. If you do experience long waits or concerns PLEASE share your story with you provincially elected representative and health minister. System change will only occur if elected officials make it a priority and feel the pressure. Remember, they are elected to represent YOU. /8
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