What to Know Before Your Next Emergency Room Visit

Top emergency room tips every patient should know.

Emergency departments (ED) can be overwhelming. It’s rough to be surrounded by strangers when you’re sick or injured. Sometimes there are long waits, and it’s hard to know when you’ll get called. The staff works extremely hard, but they don’t know you or your history, so there’s a lot to fill them in on.

The ER providers and staff at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, part of Keck Medicine of USC, share strategies to make your next ED visit a bit easier.

Make sure an ED visit is right for you

EDs are for life-threatening emergencies and:

• Broken bones
• Heavy bleeding
• Cuts needing stitches
• Severe dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea

Not sure whether you need the ED? Call your primary care provider. If they’re unavailable, a triage nurse or on-call physician may be able to guide you. Please clarify that on-call ED provider is not available to provide any medical advice, nor is an ED triage nurse.

Important: If you have symptoms of a life-threatening emergency, such as chest pain or trouble breathing, call an ambulance. The same goes if you are experiencing stroke symptoms, such as loss of balance or dizziness, vision changes, facial drooping or severe headache, weakness or numbness in your arms, trouble speaking or confusion.

Bring a support person

Ask a friend or family member to come along while you wait in the waiting room. They can keep you company, provide emotional support and advocate for you if you’re unable to do so for yourself. Please note that due to limited space, patient safety and privacy reasons, visitor access is limited in the actual emergency department.

Be ready to wait

EDs triage patients according to how urgently they need help. As a result, someone who arrived after you may receive an evaluation or treatment before you.

If you can, bring something to occupy yourself with. Sensory aids like noise-canceling earphones or a soft blanket can also be helpful.

Bring your medical information

Keep these files ready in case of an emergency:

• Medical history
• Allergies
• Medications
• Primary care provider and pharmacy information
• Advance directive (if you have one)

Use clear communication

When asked to describe your symptoms, mention the most recent symptom first.

Make sure to share any conditions that could cause a life-threatening problem, such as heart disease, bleeding disorders, respiratory issues or severe allergies.

ED physicians and staff members want to help you in any way they can. The more they know about your needs, the better equipped they’ll be. Ask any questions you have. Speak up if you feel like something is wrong.

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