Understanding the difference between a medical emergency and a non-medical emergency is important as it will assist patients to obtain appropriate treatment timeously.
When a medical emergency occurs, do you know what to do? Not all medical emergencies are obvious, which creates a dilemma between knowing when to act swiftly or when to wait for your symptoms to settle.
A medical emergency is any serious and unexpected situation that involves a life-threatening injury or illness and requires immediate attention. Examples include (but aren’t limited to) uncontrolled bleeding; severe pain; shortness of breath; pregnancy issues; suspecting a stroke or heart attack and severe falls.
How does one know whether a trip to the emergency unit is required? It’s always safer to err on the side of caution and seek medical assistance.
If you are unable to move or be transported, calling an ambulance to assist is key. Paramedics will initiate emergency care and transport patients to the nearest appropriate hospital, where they will hand over all information to the doctor at the emergency unit. Life The Glynnwood’s emergency response vehicle is available, round the clock, to assist patients in the community while they wait for ambulance intervention, and can be contacted on 0860 123 367.
Upon arriving at the emergency unit, all patients undergo initial screening, known as triage. The emergency unit is not a first come, first serve unit. Instead, the emergency unit is organised to deliver emergency care when you need it most. Triage is a system that identifies and prioritises patients according to the severity of condition and urgency of care required. Here an initial medical history is taken while your blood pressure, oxygen levels and temperature are checked.
After triage, you will be asked to complete administrative elements for both the hospital and doctor practice. Please keep in mind that doctors do not work for the hospital and maintain their own recordkeeping and billing systems. Similarly, the costs for x-rays and blood tests are also billed separately. If your condition changes while you’re waiting to be examined by a doctor, please notify the triage nurse right away.
During your consultation, it is important to provide as much information as possible about your current condition; such as, when did symptoms start, what medication you’re currently on; allergies; surgical history etc. Recommendations for diagnostic scans or tests, such as X-rays, blood tests, MRI will be made, should this be necessary. Discharge with medication, or referral to a specialist for admission into the hospital for further treatment will be discussed, if necessary. The results of the tests are not instantaneous and may take a few hours. Serious conditions are prioritised throughout the process.
If you are discharged home with medication, and your condition worsens, please return to the emergency unit immediately for a follow up examination.
Should you need admission, our team will contact your medical aid for authorisation for admission to ensure your transition from out-patient to in-patient is seamless. Should you not have medical aid, our case manager will discuss options for admission as a private patient with you, or arrangements will be made for transfer to a State facility.
Being prepared for a medical emergency is crucial. Having the following on hand will help:
- Contact number for an ambulance provider/ paramedics;
- ID document (or driver’s license);
- Contact number of next of kin
- List or all current medication (include how much you take and when);
- List of your surgical history and allergies;
- Having a pre-packed overnight bag with essentials readily available (which includes toiletries and a change of clothes).
- If possible, leave all valuables and jewellery at home or with a loved one.
The emergency unit at Life The Glynnwood is supported by an array of highly experienced specialists from multiple fields. The unit is well-equipped to deal with any medical emergency. We know that medical emergencies evoke a myriad of tumultuous emotions. Knowing what to do and what to bring reduces the angst.
Life The Glynnwood
33-35 Harrison Street, Benoni 1501
PO Box 635, Benoni 1500
Telephone: +27 11 741 5000
Email: theglynnwood@lifehealthcare.co.za
www.lifehealthcare.co.za
