Know when to go to the ER
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Use this simple article to determine whether or not you need to visit the emergency room.
About 20 percent of trips to the ER are unnecessary. To recognize a true emergency (and avoid needless expense), remember this acronym: ABCDE.
Head to the ER stat (or dial 911) if you have any of these:
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A - Airway
Choking (also do the Heimlich maneuver or CPR if needed)
B - Breathing
Rapid or slowed intake of air, wheezing, skin has a blue tinge
C - Circulation
Loss of consciousness, bleeding, agitation, lifelessness
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}D - Disability or dehydration
Injury or inability to walk or talk, inability to keep down food or liquids
E - Exposure to an environmental hazard
Various (causes can include heat exhaustion, hypothermia or poisoning)
Get help fast. Urgent-care centers treat non-threatening conditions and often have shorter wait times than ERs. Locate one at findurgentcare.com.
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More From All You:
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My Body Says What? Decode Your Body's Noises
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