From the ER
ER or not? The list I want every man to know
Call 911. Do not drive yourself.
- Chest pressure, squeezing or pain, especially with sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, or pain into the arm, jaw or back. Lasting more than a few minutes or coming and going.
- Stroke signs, BE FAST: Balance loss, Eyes (sudden vision loss), Face drooping, Arm or leg weakness, Speech trouble, Time to call 911.
- The worst headache of your life, or one that hits like a thunderclap
- Trouble breathing, coughing up blood, or lips turning blue
- Fainting, or a racing or pounding heartbeat with dizziness
- Thoughts of suicide with a plan: call 911, or call or text 988
Go to the ER today
- Severe belly pain, especially with fever or vomiting
- Sudden severe pain or swelling in the testicle (time matters)
- A head injury on a blood thinner
- Black or bloody stool, or vomiting blood
- A painful, swollen calf, especially after a long trip
- High fever with confusion or a stiff neck
Urgent care or your doctor can usually handle
- Sprains and simple cuts
- Colds, sore throat, ear pain, mild flu symptoms
- Urinary symptoms without fever or back pain
- Rashes without fever or facial swelling
When in doubt, get seen. In my years in emergency medicine, I have never been upset that someone came in "for nothing".