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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Most Americans will visit an Emergency Department (ED), also referred to as Emergency Room (ER), at some point either for their own medical needs or to assist a family member or friend. While hospitals work hard to maintain a safe and secure environment, the influx of people and the stressful nature of the medical emergencies can create hectic situations. In addition to the security programs put in place by the hospital, each individual is responsible, as in any situation, for taking an active role in ensuring their own safety. Being prepared for an ED visit can help you get professional, timely and safe care when the need arises. The following are tips to follow if you need to make a trip to the ED.
1. Make sure your “emergency” is a true emergency. EDs are usually very crowded and the wait times are long because a large number of patients do not fall into the emergent or urgent category. Be sure to only use the ED for medical treatment if your need is truly immediate.
2. Drive carefully. In a true emergency situation, take caution if you are driving yourself, or someone else, to the hospital. Speeding and reckless driving can not only injure those in your vehicle, but other innocent people. Call for an ambulance before driving if there is time.
3. Stay alert while in the ED. Hospitals are supposed to be a safe place, but violence can occur. No matter the size or location of the ED, there are many incidents that can happen daily. Be aware of your surroundings and possible risks in the waiting room and all patient areas, as well as outside of the hospital.
4. Keep your personal belongings in a safe place. If someone is with you, let them hold your things while you are seeing the physician. Do not leave your belongings unattended and consider leaving jewelry and other valuables at home.
5. Note exit and entrance locations. Be aware of the emergency exits in the waiting room and patient areas. It is always smart to know where to go in case of an emergency situation.
6. Your health is a priority. The people who tend to your needs should be cautious of themselves and you during treatment. Make sure they are wearing gloves, gowns and face masks to prevent against the spreading of germs, illnesses or even diseases.
7. Stay calm. Medical emergencies can be stressful, frightening situations. Whether you are the patient or are assisting the patient, it is important to stay calm and focus on the instructions and treatment needed to get well.
8. Alert security. If you need assistance or do not feel safe, contact an ED staff member or security officer. Hospital workers and security are a resource for you. Healthcare institutions across the country are dedicated to patient and visitor safety.
9. Ask for help. If you are driving yourself to the hospital and need help getting from your vehicle into the ED, ask about valet service or request assistance. It is better to ask for help, allowing you to get into the ED to be seen sooner, rather than risking another injury or further harm to yourself.
10. Be prepared. When you go to the ED, the staff will not know your medications or medical history. In an emergency situation, it is easy to forget important information or possibly be unable to communicate. Carry a small notecard with the following information on it so it is accessible when needed.
* Medical conditions or illnesses you have and any surgeries or treatments you’ve recently received.
* Your medicines, including prescriptions, over-the-counter and herbal, along with dosage information. Some drug interactions can be deadly, so this information is essential for ED staff.
* Allergies or known reactions to medicines, foods or latex.
* Contact information of your primary care doctor, any specialists currently treating you and a family member or close friend.
The ED is a vital part of a hospital system and our communities. It is also a life-saving resource but it is your responsibility to make sure you are protecting yourself while visiting the ED, just as you do in other public places.
About the author: Ken Bukowski is the Vice President of Healthcare at AlliedBarton Security Services. AlliedBarton is the industry’s premier provider of highly trained security personnel to many industries including higher education, commercial real estate, healthcare, residential communities, chemical/petrochemical, government, manufacturing and distribution, financial institutions, and shopping centers.
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