Many times if someone has a high
fever, they wonder if they should wait
to see a family doctor or go right
to the emergency room. This is a
frequently asked question—and an
important one. Often a fever is due
to a viral infection that is not serious.
However, on rare occasions, children
can be very sick when they develop
a fever. At such times it is important
to have them be seen by a doctor
sooner rather than later. If your child
still has an appetite, is not vomiting, and can keep food
and liquids down, it is probably reasonable to wait until
you can see your family doctor. However, if a child is
vomiting persistently, cries and won’t be consoled, or has
a fever that won’t improve even after you give him or her
Children’s Tylenol or Children’s Motrin, then the emergency
room is the best choice.
aspirus.org
9
Knowing when to visit the emergency
room (ER) versus a walk-in clinic can be
a tough question that is determined by
many factors, such as the type of injury
or illness, signs and symptoms, and the
health history of the person. The ER is
where you go when something suddenly
happens or changes with your body.
If you’re ever unsure whether or not
you’re “sick enough,” you can always call
your primary care physician first. Describe
the symptoms, and see what he or she advises. Like the ER,
your doctor’s office is a busy place. So have the details of
your problem mapped out before you call. The doctor or nurse
needs a complete picture of how your body is acting and
responding to treatment. If your doctor or his or her office staff
sends you to the ER, ask that they call ahead and say that you
are coming.
Whether you visit the ER or the walk-in clinic, it’s good to
keep a list with you of all the medications you take, including
dosages and any over-the-counter medications and vitamins.
Many medications, and even vitamins, can interact with the
treatment options your physician plans to use.
Keep a list of any allergies, especially to medications,
with you, as well as a list of any previous invasive medical
procedures and surgeries, the dates they were done, and the
names of the physician or surgeon who treated you. Knowing
about past operations can be very helpful to an emergency
physician in making an accurate diagnosis.
You should
come in right
away when...
w
Trouble breathing.
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Chest pain or pressure.
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Any sudden or severe pain.
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Fainting, sudden dizziness or weakness.
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Bleeding that can’t be controlled.
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Severe vomiting or diarrhea.
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Coughing up blood.
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Suicidal feelings.
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Problems speaking.
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Spinal cord or back injury.
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Seizures.
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Minor cuts that need stitches.
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Minor bone fractures.
Eric Maki, MD
Emergency Services
Director for Aspirus
Grand View
Doug Wood, DO
Emergency Services
Director for Aspirus
Keweenaw and
Ontonagon
Aspirus emergency doctors talk about
when to choose the ER first
See our locations at
.
Signs of an
emergency include:
COMPREHENSIVE
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EMERGENCY SERVICE
