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Emergency Medicine

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If you or a loved one is in need of emergency care, it is best to CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY and solicit the support of a friend or loved one to assist if possible. Follow your instincts and get the care you need, when you need it.

In select emergency situations, it is extremely important not to move and for all emergency situations to arrive at the RIGHT emergency room in a timely fashion.   For example, Trauma I Medical Centers are appropriate for orthopedic surgery, but brain injury and stroke medical centers may be rated differently. Your 911 Representative is the best 1st point of contact.

For A Stroke, Designated Stroke Centers have a Clot Busting Shot that reduces your risk of long term disability by one third, if you qualify.

For A Orthopedic Injury, it is extremely important not to move until you receive directions from 911 or ambulance personnel when they arrive at your location.

If you are thinking about directing  TOP Questions For The Doctor, it might be advantageous to bear in mind that deemed medical emergencies do not require a discussion with a physician or consent due to the emergent needs for diagnosis and treatment. 

  •  Advanced Healthcare Directive is the only form of direction that may otherwise influence emergent care. If you have one, it may be wise to give a copy to your ambulance driver, physicians and hospital.
  • For Non Emergent Conditions,  you may visit an Urgent Care Facility  where you may be referred to an emergency room if ultimately necessary.

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Your Emergency Room Doctors

An emergency physician requires the education and skills necessary to prevent, diagnose and immediately intervene with treatment in critical urgent illnesses and medical conditions, including: both physical and mental for all ages.

Emergency room physicians must know how to respond to crucial care medicine ends, such as, cardiac resuscitation, cardiac life support, and airway obstruction treatment. They must know how to stitch deep lacerations and how to set a bone fracture or dislocated joint. They must know how to treat a stroke and heart attack victim. They must know how to manage or stop bleeding.  They must know how to interpret the results of diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds. They often deliver initial treatment to stabilize emergent situations and make recommendations for follow up treatment which may involve being admitted into the hospital. They may consult with other medical specialists when they deem necessary.

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Emergency Room Doctor Training

Emergency room physicians may have earned a doctorate in medicine (M.D.) and some may have earned a doctorate in   Osteopathic medicine. In addition, they may have participated in internships and residency programs to acquire a wealth of knowledge necessary to manage the great number of types of conditions for medical, surgical, and psychiatric emergencies. Emergency room physicians may go on to accept fellowship training in specific areas, such as,  pre-hospital medicine, pediatric emergency medicine, sports medicine, disaster medicine or critical care medicine, hyperbaric medicine, ultrasound,  toxicology, and research.  There are also specialty areas in emergency medicine, such as,   Critical Care Medicine, Cardiology, Anesthesia, Orthopedic surgery, Ear Nose and Throat, Plastic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery and Radiology.

Along with their duties in the emergency room, emergency room physicians are often required to make rounds through emergency rooms, intensive care units, pediatric units, obstetric units, and other medical specialty areas. They may also have an off site practice location. This is another reason why it is very important to contact 911 in case of an urgent situation so emergency staff members can be available upon your arrival.   In fact, because of the sheer nature of trauma and the shortage of doctors, it is worthwhile to be as prepared as you can be to deliver information about your medical condition(s), symptoms you are experiencing, drugs, over-the-counter products, supplements and holistic remedies  you are taking.  It is particularly helpful to bring a support person with you to an emergency room. It may also be worthwhile for your support person to arrive at the hospital to meet your physician team members the next morning as early as 7:00 am, if you are admitted to a hospital.

There are four medical organizations in which emergency room physician may obtain continuing education in the U.S., including:   The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) with over 25,000 members which may or may not be board certified; The American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians for D.O. emergency physicians; The American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) with over 6000 board certified emergency medicine specialists; and The Association of Emergency Physicians (AEP) which is available to all emergency physicians.

It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.