ketteringhealth.org 9 When emergency care is the best option Chest pain and abdominal conditions are some of the most common reasons people come to an emergency department. Severe pain should never be ignored, especially if accompanied by associated symptoms. It’s a good idea to know the location of the closest emergency department and have a plan in place for how to get there. “If you’re hit with chest pain, you can’t breathe, and you’re sweaty, call 911 immediately,” says Dr. Pook. “Light-headedness, high fever, and shortness of breath are all signs of something more serious.” Dr. Pook explains this is where the expertise of the emergency department becomes a crucial factor. “Physicians in the ED can take chest X-rays to look for pneumonia, start IV lines, and provide fluids. An urgent care typically isn’t equipped for this kind of treatment.” Dr. Pook also recommends emergency care for patients suffering from severe sprains. “If you can’t move the limb, or if there’s a significant deformity, then we’d want to take X-rays immediately.” She also says patients with hand or face injuries are generally sent to the emergency department. “We have years of experience in treating those types of wounds.” “If you’re hit with chest pain, you can’t breathe, and you’re sweaty, call 911 immediately.” —Nancy Pook, MD
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