DR. ELEANOR F. DUNHAM

Title: Attending emergency medicine physician

Company:

Years in Field: 9

Q: How do I know if I should visit the emergency room, an urgent care center or my primary physician?

A: Any condition that is potentially life threatening or limb threatening should be evaluated in the emergency department.

This can include, but is not limited to, loss of consciousness; chest or severe abdominal pain; sudden weakness or numbness in face, arm or leg; sudden changes in vision; difficulty speaking; severe shortness of breath; bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure; any sudden, severe pain; any major injury, such as head trauma; unexplained confusion or disorientation; coughing or vomiting blood; severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea; a severe or worsening reaction to an insect bite, food or medication; and suicidal feelings.

An urgent care center may be able to do simple lacerations, suture removals and acute conditions that are not life threatening such as local rashes or viral infections.

Your primary care physician should manage all chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic back pain.

Q: Is it better to go to the emergency room in an ambulance or by car?

A: If you call 911 to get an ambulance to transport you to the emergency department, then we initially assume that your condition is a medical emergency that is life- or limb-threatening. Once you arrive here, you will be triaged appropriately for your condition. An ambulance will not get you seen faster if your condition is not an emergency, and an ambulance should not be used as a taxi.

If you can get to the emergency department by car, bus or taxi for a non-life-threatening problem, then by all means do so.

Q: Are there any ways to get in and out of the ER faster?

A: No, there are no easy ways to get through the emergency department faster. However, Sunday evenings and all of Mondays are our busiest days in the emergency department, so you might have a longer wait times on those days.

Q: What kind of information should you be prepared to provide?

A: It is always helpful to know your own medications, medication allergies and medical problems. If you have multiple medications, allergies and medical problems, then a list of all of them would be most helpful. Any recent changes to the above listed is noteworthy.

Also, know who your primary care provider is and any specialists you may have. For instance, if you have had heart problems in the past, then it would be helpful to know who your cardiologist is.

Q: What should you make sure to ask before you leave?

A: If you have any questions regarding your treatment and what you should do or how you should take your medications, then please speak up. The emergency department is a very busy place, and your health care provider might conclude that you understand everything if you don't ask any questions when things are explained to you. Ask if you are unsure.

Interview conducted via e-mail by The Patriot-News staff.