Should I Go to the ER?

Knowing when to go to the emergency room is important for getting timely medical attention for urgent or life-threatening situations.

Dr. Renah Gibson, DO, family medicine physician with St. Mary’s Physician Associates, provides you with seven medical situations that warrant a trip to the ER.

1. Pain or Pressure, accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, sweating or pain radiating to the arm, neck or jaw, which could be a heart attack.
2. Severe Abdominal Pain, especially if accompanied by vomiting, fever or inability to pass stool or gas, which could indicate appendicitis, pancreatitis or intestinal blockage.
3. Severe Headache, especially if it’s sudden and intense, along with other symptoms like confusion, weakness, vision changes or neck stiffness, which could be a stroke, meningitis or other serious condition.
4. Sudden Weakness or Numbness, especially if it’s on one side of the body, which could mean a stroke or transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke).
5. Severe Trauma or Injury, including head injuries, deep wounds, severe burns or fractures that require immediate medical attention.
6. High Fever with Confusion, especially in infants, young children or elderly individuals, as it could be a serious infection or other condition.
7. Drug Overdose, particularly if you or someone you know has ingested a potentially toxic amount of medication or other substances.

If you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

To find a doctor and schedule an appointment online, visit stmarysphysicianassociates.com.

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