We all would like to be ready in the event of an emergency, but the truth is that many of us never expect that day to come. When it does, we typically aren’t entirely prepared to take a trip to the emergency room. Emergencies are an unwelcome reality but it’s important to know what to expect—when and if that day does arrive.

Your medications. Before the hospital treats you, it’s important to share exactly what medications you are taking. Ideally, try to bring a list of all medications with you. If you don’t have that list, however, grab the pill bottles before you walk out the door.

Health information. It may seem that you’re being asked the same questions over and over; however, it is important to answer all questions completely and honestly. In order to best treat you, the physicians need to know exactly what happened to you and when your problem began.

The necessities. Before eating, drinking, or using the restroom, ask your nurse if it is okay. It is possible that you will need an empty stomach for treatment or that you need to provide a urine sample. Asking can avoid problems later.

A calm demeanor. If you are worried about your health or that of a family member, you may be frightened. However, it is best for you to remain calm and collected, especially if your child is the patient being treated. Kids will recognize your stress and fear, which will only make them scared, too.

Other departments. Remember, the emergency department relies on the lab and other departments. They all have to work together. However, not all departments move as quickly as the emergency room does. Try to be patient and remember that these delays are not something the emergency care nurses can control.

Wait times. One of the main goals of HCA hospitals throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast is to limit the ER wait times. We have initiated processes and practices to ensure that our patients receive care quickly and efficiently. We are so successful, in fact, that we feel confident putting our wait times on our websites. That said, we do have to deal with the most critical patients first, so it is possible that you will have to wait.

Discharge instructions. Before being discharged, request written instructions for any extra care or medication you will need.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 right away. You can also text "ER" to 23000 to instantly receive on your mobile device the average ER Wait Times at Plantation General and other HCA hospitals. When you have a medical crisis, we know that every moment counts.

Sources:
What Happens Now
Plantaion General Hospital Emergency Services

Related Posts:
Top Ten Drowning Prevention Tips
How CPR Can Save a Life

Drowning is the third leading cause of death in children–and for every child who dies, four others receive emergency care for near drowning incidents. So, with summer almost upon us, water safety should be a priority. Here is a list of ways that you can prevent drowning. Check your knowledge–are you prepared for swimming safety this summer?

1. Always supervise. Never leave children unattended in any body of water for any amount of time. This includes pools, lakes, the ocean, small creeks, and even the bathtub.

1. Get swim lessons. Both adults and children should learn to swim before going into any body of water without a personal floatation device. However, swimming children should still be supervised at all times. Be aware that inner-tubes, “floaties,” “noodles,” and other inflatable swim aids are not designed to keep a swimmer afloat in an emergency situation.

1. Get CPR lessons. Drowning can occur in minutes, but paramedics may take much longer than that to arrive in time to administer CPR. Being certified in CPR could save a person’s life.

1. Install barriers and alarms. If your home has a pool, specially designed pool fences should be installed. Be sure to install an alarm on doors with access to the pool area.

1. Swim near a lifeguard. Find public swimming places with a lifeguard on duty. While this does not mean children may be left unsupervised, one more watchful eye trained in CPR and rescue methods makes water play safer.

1. Use the buddy system. Older children and adults should never swim without a partner. Even the most capable swimmers need assistance or someone to call for help in case of emergency.

1. Keep toys out of the pool. When a pool is not in use, be sure to keep all toys and flotation items out of the pool and pool area to reduce a child’s temptation to play near the pool.

1. Wear life jackets on boats. No matter the size of the boat, the distance traveled or the passengers’ swimming ability, wear U.S. Coast Guard approved jackets on a boat at all times.

1. Avoid alcohol. On average, alcohol use is involved in half of teenage and adult drowning deaths. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination and can have deadly results in an emergency situation.

1. Be aware of your surroundings. While swimming, always make note of the weather, the depth of water you are swimming in, those around you, currents, tides, riptides and any other environmental factor that could affect your safety.

If you have any further questions about swim safety, please contact us at Plantation General Hospital. Visit our website or call Consult-a-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7724.

Sources:

Unintentional Drowning: Fact Sheet (CDC)

Safety Guidelines (Drowning Prevention Foundation)

Related Posts:

Check Your Sunscreen

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly called CPR, can save lives. It’s been used since 1740 when the Paris Academy of Sciences advised giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to drowning victims. Today, according to the American Heart Association, approximately 92 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before getting to a hospital. However, the association states that effective CPR performed by someone on the scene can double, or even triple, a victim’s chance of survival.

What Does CPR Do?

In cases of emergencies including accidents, near drowning, heart attack, and more, CPR can mean the difference between life and death. CPR is a way to keep oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and other organs, and help keep a person alive until he or she can get medical care. This is vital, as the lack of oxygenated blood can cause brain damage and death within mere minutes.

Performing CPR
CPR is a combination of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing. Up until 2005, the American Heart Association recommended first checking the victim’s airway and doing mouth-to-mouth breathing, and then doing chest compressions. Since 2005, the association has instructed people to do the opposite, perform chest compressions first, followed by checking the airway and doing rescue breathing if necessary. To find a CPR class in your area, try this class finder at the American Heart Association site.

Note however, that the American Heart Association believes that any care is better than no care. It advises that even untrained people should perform hands-only techniques in the case of an emergency. That means doing chest compressions at a rate of approximately 100 per minute (think about doing compressions to the beat of the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive”), until medical help is available. Your hands should be stacked one on top of the other and placed palms down in the center of the victim’s chest. Elbows should be locked as you push directly down, compressing the chest at least 2 inches. Any harm that may be caused by an untrained person performing compressions would pale in comparison to the alternative, which is very likely death.

Even after you’ve been trained in CPR, remember that your knowledge and technique will become rusty if not practiced. Be sure to take a refresher class every year or two.

If you or a loved one is experiencing cardiac arrest or another medical crisis, it is critical to call 9-1-1 right away. In Central Broward County, the emergency team at Plantation General Hospital can provide you with fast, effective care.

To learn more about CPR, visit the Health Library at Plantation General Hospital. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7724 with any medical questions you have.

Sources:

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (American Heart Association)

About CPR

Related Posts:

How Healthy Is Your Heart?

Steps to Pulmonary Rehabilitation