Knowing when to go to the emergency department could save your life.
As someone who once decided to wait before going to hospital, only to wake up in the ICU, it’s important to take what is happening seriously.
When to visit a hospital
The emergency department is for medical emergencies. If symptoms aren’t too severe, your GP may be able to help, or an after-hours provider.
Examples of when you require emergency care, whether hospital a visit or ambulance include:
- your chest hurts, or it’s hard to breathe
- you were involved in an accident or fall
- you can’t stop bleeding
- you’re having an allergic reaction
- you experience severe pain
- you suspect a broken bone
- you were electrocuted
- you had a fit and/or experience mental confusion
- you are dizzy and/or your speech is slurring
- you lost consciousness
- you were poisoned or overdosed
- you experience hallucinations
- you are having a mental health crisis
- you suddenly feel weak and parts of your body have gone numb, or are paralysed
- you were assaulted
- you suffered a severe burn.
A range of symptoms may indicate you need to visit a hospital, depending on your condition and the cause. It’s also important to note if your condition worsens.
Change in symptoms
Symptoms can worsen quickly. If this happens, you need to take action.
For certain conditions such as sepsis or meningococcal disease, a few hours can make a huge difference, turning a serious condition into a potentially life-threatening one.
A sudden increase in symptom severity can be seen as a sign to stop waiting. If a headache becomes unbearable, the pain in your side sharpens, or your fever just won’t break, it’s time to seek hospital assistance.
Having a quality thermometer at home can help identify a fever, and let you track whether it breaks or increases while ill.
A fever combined with another symptom can also be a sign to seek care.
Examples include a fever accompanied by stomach pain or vomiting, a stiff neck, severe headache, skin rash, or inability to handle light. All warrant a visit to emergency.
Prolonged fever, vomiting or diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, so seek treatment as soon as possible. In elderly people, dehydration can require hospitalisation.
Symptoms of severe dehydration may include weakness, dark urine or inability to pee, a headache or confusion, dizziness, a racing heart or accelerated breathing.
Pre-existing conditions
Other health conditions may complicate your home care. For example, advice you read online might not apply to someone with your medical history.
If seeking informed feedback from a medical professional, be sure to communicate the conditions you have or medications you are taking to ensure the best possible advice.
It’s important to mention any recent changes in medication or dosage, so they can rule out interactions or reactions.
Calling an ambulance
When it comes to 000, the urge to wait a bit longer before dialling is common. Calling an ambulance seems like a big deal: what if it’s nothing?
Know that if you do call 000, the person on the other end is there for you. No-one is going to be annoyed that you’re seeking assistance. They may confirm an ambulance is needed, or suggest an alternate option given your symptoms.
Keep numbers on hand
Trying to decide what to do when unwell can be overwhelming. For online tools, the Health Direct Symptom Checker can help with figuring out if you need assistance. You can also speak to a registered nurse on 1800 022 022.
Make sure you know the options available to you locally or in your state relating to your physical and mental wellbeing.
Put numbers you might need one day in your phone now. You don’t want to search for the phone number of your chemist, GP or closest after-hours clinic in the midst of a medical incident.
Get into the habit of keeping your mobile charged. Your mobile phone is capable of calling 000, even without credit. Put your phone on speaker if too sick to hold it.
What has your experience been when deciding on a visit to the hospital? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: Surprising causes that could be triggering your headaches
