Most of us have had an injury or an illness that makes us stop and wonder: Do I need to go to the Emergency Department (ED)? If an urgent situation involves children, most of us tend to err on the side of caution … but what about ourselves? The guidelines are not as obvious for adults as they are for children, and often we feel we should “tough it out” instead of getting immediate medical care.

That could be a fatal decision. But how does one know what is and what is not an emergency?

In true emergencies, particularly in cases of chest pain, time is of the essence. Chest pain can be caused by various medical conditions. According to Richard McLaughlin, MD, medical director of the Emergency Department, one of the most serious causes is chest pain from conditions of the heart. A blocked artery in the heart circulation causes heart attacks (myocardial infarctions).

For patients who are eligible, the ED staff may administer tPA, a clot-busting medication. The medication can prevent death and improve the likelihood of a full recovery. The ED staff may also recommend immediate cardiac catheterization.

Unfortunately, many patients die at home from heart attacks since they do not arrive at the ED in a timely manner.

“It is common for patients to dismiss chest pain as indigestion or some other malady and this can sometimes be a fatal mistake,” states Dr. McLaughlin.

If you exhibit any of the symptoms listed below, get to the ED immedi- ately. You most likely are experiencing a true emergency. Don’t wait at home thinking your problem might get better. Remember the ED is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When to go to the Emergency Department: