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When we get ill or injure ourselves, we can really start to panic. Pain and the sight of blood tend to have that effect. So our immediate response is to call for an ambulance, or drive straight down to the ER or our doctor’s clinic. In actual fact, a lot of illnesses or injuries can be treated at home, which could save you significant money if you don’t have a health insurance policy. So, here are some common symptoms and complaints, and whether you need the doctor, the ER, or whether home treatment should suffice.
ER
We tend to rush to the ER when we panic, but often we don’t need emergency medical care, at least not of that caliber. The ER is for true emergencies only. If you have chest pains, possible concussion, difficulty breathing, sudden and severe headache, difficulty speaking or using hands or arms, or sudden vision changes, a trip to the ER is definitely in order. High fevers, or fevers occurring simultaneously with a rash, should also go to the ER. For young babies, if they develop a fever or become inconsolable, take them straight to the ER. Any serious injury on a person of any age, such as burns or broken bones are better treated the the ER too. If you’re ever unsure, call 911 and ask for advice – it’s what they’re there for, and they’d prefer you to be safe than sorry.
Doctor or urgent care
If your symptoms have occurred over a longer period of time, or they’re not so severe, urgent care or you doctor would be more appropriate. From here, you’ll be given advice on steps after an injury occurs, and what treatment would be appropriate. A fever without a rash, stomach complaints, ear and throat ache, vomiting, or a mild to moderate trauma such as a sprain or a graze is better treated in this way. At an ER, you could be taking up a bed for someone whose life is at risk. If your doctor is concerned about yours or your child’s condition they will be able to refer you to the ER.
Home Treatment
If you ask an urgent care doctor what their biggest gripe is, it’s usually people coming in with colds and viruses, expecting magical treatment. Yes, colds can be really horrible, and yes, you can feel too ill to work, but unfortunately, there just isn’t a cure for the common cold. You’re far better staying at home, keeping warm and hydrated, and taking painkillers until the virus decides to leave you alone again. All that visiting the doctor does is expose more people to the virus, which isn’t a whole lot of use. Minor burns, cuts, and grazes can also be treated from home, just make sure you’ve got a fully stocked medicine cabinet and first aid kit, and away you go.
Just remember, if you ever become worried that an illness or injury is worse than you first thought, you should still seek out medical help. It’s far better to be safe than sorry.