A board-certified physician, Chris Endfinger maintains a strong love for the practice of medicine. Currently working as an attending physician in the emergency room at Team Health Southeast in Alabama, Chris Endfinger especially enjoys practicing emergency medicine, and has been featured on the television show Real Life Stories in the ER.
When an illness or injury occurs, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out if a visit to the emergency room is necessary. However, there are several specific things that you and your family can watch out for to determine whether such immediate care is necessary. For example, if a person has received any type of blow to the head that results in vomiting, loss of consciousness, or a seizure, visiting the emergency room is highly recommended. In cases such as these, there is no way of gauging the extent of the damage without consulting a medical professional, and getting medical help immediately can prevent major issues from arising later on. Additionally, any loss of consciousness warrants a trip to the ER, because it may be a sign of something serious such as a stroke or circulation problem.
Further, if a person suffers an injury to a limb or joint that causes it to look misshapen or be unable to bear any weight, the injury may involve a broken bone and deserves an emergency visit. Also visit the ER if an injury results in bleeding that does not stop after pressure has been applied for 10 to 20 minutes, or any wound that completely penetrates the skin. These are only some of the situations that indicate a visit to the ER, however. If you are unsure about whether a trip is needed or not, it is often better to go just in case.
When an illness or injury occurs, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out if a visit to the emergency room is necessary. However, there are several specific things that you and your family can watch out for to determine whether such immediate care is necessary. For example, if a person has received any type of blow to the head that results in vomiting, loss of consciousness, or a seizure, visiting the emergency room is highly recommended. In cases such as these, there is no way of gauging the extent of the damage without consulting a medical professional, and getting medical help immediately can prevent major issues from arising later on. Additionally, any loss of consciousness warrants a trip to the ER, because it may be a sign of something serious such as a stroke or circulation problem.
Further, if a person suffers an injury to a limb or joint that causes it to look misshapen or be unable to bear any weight, the injury may involve a broken bone and deserves an emergency visit. Also visit the ER if an injury results in bleeding that does not stop after pressure has been applied for 10 to 20 minutes, or any wound that completely penetrates the skin. These are only some of the situations that indicate a visit to the ER, however. If you are unsure about whether a trip is needed or not, it is often better to go just in case.