Tackling ER-phobia

Millions of Americans make visits to the ER every year. Most of them, if not all, are frightened to say the least. First there's the uncertainty of visiting an unfamiliar location, a possible campout in a crowded waiting room, figuring out how to converse with professionals who are constantly on the move and want to get straight to the point, fear of the diagnosis, tests, prognosis...the list goes on.

I have not had the opportunity to provide one on one care in the ER, at least not in the last 10 years. However, in my role as administrator, I handle emergency services operations. That includes oversight of the ER in addition to the rest of the hospital. Be it a sudden influx of patient walkins, ambulance entries or a complex trauma situation involving a local community, I have seen what the ER does to people. Not only does one have to worry about oneself, but get a first hand peek at all the the other emergencies going on. Talk about adding injury to insult.

Do you know what an emergency is? Is the person involved struggling to breathe, suffering from chest pain, losing consciousness or bleeding? Is there a child involved? Do you know when to call 911?

When you do go to the ER, don't go alone! Take a person with you, that can advocate for you, if need be. If you have questions, and you will, ask. ask. ask.

So who are you going to meet in the ER? The TRIAGE RN is specially trained to prioritize patients based on their level of severity. The ER RN is charged with taking care of a team of patients. ER RNs are highly skilled and contribute in major ways to the diagnostic process. The ER Physician diagnoses you and directs your treatment. ER Techs help with obtaining vital signs, documenting, drawing samples etc. The Registration Clerk asks you for your insurance information and obtains your signature on a pile of forms. You have people coming at you from every direction and they're all there to help.

Remember to be open and honest. Are you on Viagra? Say so. Are you on drugs, alcohol? Are you a pregnant teenager? Have you self-medicated, wrongly? Let them know.

When you receive treatment, ask what and why? If you do not get a warm, fuzzy response, don't take it personally. The ER is quite a crazy place and everyone is doing their best. If you have concerns about your care, speak up. Ask to speak with the Charge Nurse. She runs the ER and is there to help.

Frankly, I love feeling the energy in a busy ER. There's nothing like a team of skilled doctors, exceptional nurses and support staff to make a difference, most times, between life and death. As a patient in the ER myself, I have experienced the distress patients sometimes go through. Nothing can be fast enough and it seems as if no one really cares. They do, they're accountable and responsible for you. And sometimes, you may need to be assertive and remind people of that fact.

Last but not least, remember to stay informed. Prepare to be patient. Anticipate delays. Focus on the end result and stay positive.

For more information, check out: http://www3.acep.org/patients.aspx?id=26018

Be well!

Anita