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How to determine whether a medical problem is an emergency
Our hospital Emergency department
uses a system of triage that enables us to treat the most critically ill
or seriously injured patients first. Emergency nurses and physicians
review and revise triage guidelines annually to ensure all emergencies
are addressed appropriately. The Emergency department staff is dedicated
to providing expert care in emergency situations and is on hand to give
service to anyone regardless of ability to pay for services.
To minimize wait times and to ensure proper treatment, use the following
guidelines when making a decision to seek emergency or urgent care.
An
emergency is any sudden or serious problem that requires medical
attention within a minute to several hours.
Examples include:
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A sudden loss of breath
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Severe bleeding
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Chest pain
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Seizures
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Deep cuts
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Broken bones
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Poisoning from chemicals or drugs or
an overdose
If a condition is life-threatening, call 911
for emergency transport. Whether a
patient is taken to an emergency department in a private vehicle or
transported by ambulance, he or she can be assured that his or her
healthcare needs will be addressed promptly and appropriately.
An urgent care need is any problem that requires care within several
hours and is not life-threatening. Patients with the most severe
symptoms will be seen first.
Examples include:
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Persistent high fever
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Vomiting
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Severe ear infection
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Severe sore throat
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Insect bite or sudden rash
Often a patient who is waiting to see a healthcare professional in an
urgent-
care situation may grow impatient. Please remember that someone
with a more serious injury or illness is being treated first. If a
patient feels that his or her condition is worsening, alert the triage
nurse so he or she can reevaluate the status of the patient.
Be proactive and reduce emergency care visits by following a few simple
steps:
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Seek care from a primary care physician before an illness or injury
worsens.
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Get a flu shot, especially if the patient is elderly or has chronic
health problems such as heart disease, emphysema or asthma.
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Visit a free-standing urgent care center for conditions that are not
true emergencies. The Walk-In Clinic is located on the east side of town
and the wait time might be shorter.
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If a bad cough or a fever of 101 degrees is the symptom, do not go to
work and risk infecting others.
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Wash your hands frequently to avoid the spread of germs.
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If possible, talk to your primary care physician before going to the
Emergency department. He or she may be able to give you advice over the
phone, preventing a trip to the hospital.
If emergency medical care is needed, bring any medications
you are taking with you. Also,
have medical and insurance information up-to-date and on-hand.
Healthcare professionals know the patient is the best person to
determine whether or not he or she requires immediate medical attention.
Never hesitate to call on a professional who can assess the situation.
We are here to help.
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Northern Arizona Healthcare - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Flagstaff Medical Center - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Verde Valley Medical Center - 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood, Ariz. 86326 - 928
639-6000
VVMC - Sedona Campus - 3700 W. Highway 89A, Sedona, Ariz., 86336 - 928 204-3000
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