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IF
you ever went to the emergency
room (ER) as a kid, chances are
mom or dad was by your side,
answering doctors’ questions and
providing comfort. Now that they’re
older, you may find yourself doing the
same things for your parents if you
accompany them on a trip to the ER.
Before that time comes, it’s a
good idea to go over
your parents’ medical
histories and put that
information in writing.
Include allergies,
surgeries, past and
current health problems, and all
medications that each parent takes.
Be sure you also include contact
information for all of your parents’
healthcare providers and details about
why they’re seeing them.
Though it can be difficult to talk
about, it’s wise to discuss a living will
with your mom and dad. A living will
specifies a person’s wishes for medical
care in case he or she becomes unable
to communicate them. It can help
ensure that those wishes are carried
out.
During a visit to the
ER, keep in mind that
you know your parent
best. It’s important
to let the ER doctor
know about things that don’t seem
right and to fill in details in the
information your parent shares. It’s
also important to make sure your
F A M I L Y M A T T E R S
Taking your parent to the ER
parent understands what’s going
on and participates in decisions, if
possible.
Because hospital admission may be
a possibility, consider packing a bag
for your parent. Bring yourself some
reading material to help pass the time
and lower your stress.
Source: American College of Emergency Physicians
Could you tell if you or a loved
one was having a heart attack?
Visit
morehealth.org/911
to
find out what to watch for.
Call
860.364.4444
for a copy of Sharon
Hospital’s medical
history cards.
10
q
A
hospital emergency department
probably isn’t on your top 10 list of
travel destinations, but at some point
in your life, an injury or illness will
most likely land you or someone you
love in one.
Knowing what to expect can
help you be prepared and make
What to know in an emergency
There are some conditions,
however, that require instant attention
and an immediate trip to the hospital.
Some common signs and symptoms of
an emergency include:
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Chest pain or upper abdominal
pain or pressure that lasts two
minutes or more.
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Sudden changes in vision.
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Uncontrolled bleeding.
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Sudden or severe pain.
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Difficulty breathing or speaking.
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Sudden dizziness or weakness.
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Severe or persistent vomiting or
diarrhea.
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Coughing or vomiting blood.
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Suicidal or homicidal feelings.
your visit less stressful.
Is it an emergency? Not every
illness or injury requires a trip to
the emergency department. Some
less serious medical problems
can be treated by your primary
care provider or at an urgent care
center.