A trip to a hospital emergency department is never on anyone's list of things they would like to do. But planning ahead and understanding the kinds of medical problems and injuries that require emergency room treatment versus those things that can be handled in a clinic or doctor's office can help you receive the care you need, as well as reduce stress and anxiety.

Preparation
Have a list of phone numbers ready near the phone. Police, fire, poison control center, local hospital, ambulance service and your family doctor should all be on the list. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) also suggests you keep a list that includes:

• all your medications and dosages
• allergies
• insurance information
• family contacts

Include also any other information, such as a Living Will and a brief description of current medical conditions, that might help the emergency team. Remember to tell your family about this list and keep it in a place that is easily found, in case you are unable to communicate its location at the time of the emergency.

When is it an emergency?
Knowing when you or someone you know needs emergency attention can be critical. According to the American Heart Association, most damage from a heart attack occurs in the first two hours. But many people wait several hours before seeking help. In the case of chest pain, it is often better to err on the side of caution.

Am emergency is a medical problem that could case death or permanent injury if not treated right away. Here are some examples of medical emergencies:

• Severe bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of direct pressure
• Sudden or severe pain and swelling in a joint
• Blacking out (fainting)
• Swallowing poison
• Choking
• Suddenly not being able to move or speak
• A broken bone
• A human or poisonous snake bite
• A gaping wound (the edges don't come together)
• Severe chest pain along with sweating, shortness of breath, spreading pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

When should you call 911?
Here are some guidelines from ACEP:

• Is the situation life threatening?
• Could the condition worsen and even become life threatening during a drive to the emergency room?
• Do you need special equipment or skills to move the person?
• Could traffic or distance delay getting to the emergency room?

If the answer is yes to any of those questions, ACEP advises you to call 911 right away.

Remember with an ambulance, treatment can begin on the way to the emergency room in serious situations such as heart attack, stroke or massive blood loss.

What if it's not an emergency?
If your problem is not an emergency, you do not need emergency care. There are other options for same day treatment, including the University Health System ExpressMed Clinic.

Click here to learn more about ExpressMed.

Some problems that are usually not emergencies include:

• An earache
• Cold and flu symptoms
• A sunburn or minor cooking burn
• An insect sting that does not cause breathing trouble
• A minor cut where the bleeding is under control (but call your doctor to make sure your tetanus is up-to-date)
• A skin rash
• A fever without convulsions (uncontrollable shaking)
• A muscle sprain
• An animal bite (unless you have been bitten on the face or hands, or unless it is a poisonous animal such as a snake)