All articles tagged with #emergency care
Two sepsis survivors recount life-threatening battles after common infections, highlighting how quickly sepsis can shutdown organs. With National Sepsis Awareness Month underway, they urge people to seek emergency care and request sepsis testing when infections worsen, noting that early antibiotics and treatment can save lives and recovery can require lengthy hospital stays and rehab.
BBC follows paramedics Sophie and Lee on a 10-hour shift in Somerset during a record heatwave, showing how rising demand and hot weather strain the NHS: Swast handled thousands of calls on a peak day (about 4,350 incidents and 5,200 999 calls) and the shift included a mix of false alarms, routine transfers and non‑emergency assessments, illustrating how life‑and‑death emergencies are only part of a broader urgent‑care role today.
A Washington Post Well+Being column outlines five warning signs of abdominal pain that may require urgent ER care, including sudden, severe pain; fever with vomiting; persistent vomiting and dehydration; abdominal distension or inability to pass gas or stool; and jaundice or dark urine suggesting liver or pancreatic problems. The piece stresses not ignoring these symptoms and seeking urgent evaluation when they occur to catch potentially dangerous conditions early.
Heart attack symptoms in women can be subtler than men's. The piece lists eight signs to watch for (extreme fatigue, indigestion or heartburn, jaw/back pain, shortness of breath, left-arm pain, nausea, and chest pressure) and explains why women may have different patterns. Time is muscle: seek urgent care immediately by calling 911 and getting an ER evaluation with an ECG and blood tests. For risk reduction, prioritize regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting sufficient sleep.
Hospitals nationwide are distributing silicone 'I Gave Birth' wristbands to remind new mothers and first responders about postpartum health risks and to prompt follow-up care, a NC-originated program that has spread to multiple states; while touted as a low-cost way to reduce postpartum complications and readmissions, independent evidence is limited and it sits within broader policy debates over Medicaid postpartum coverage and federal funding.
Nikki Arellano’s minor leg scratch led to a life-threatening tetanus infection—rare but possible in unvaccinated people or those overdue for Td boosters. The disease can cause severe muscle spasms and required intensive care, underscoring the importance of staying up to date with tetanus vaccination.
The American Heart Association warns that wildfire smoke drifting from Canadian fires can raise the risk of heart problems, including heart attacks and cardiac arrests, and has been linked to more ER visits—especially for older adults and lower‑income communities. It recommends staying indoors with sealed windows and air filters, avoiding exertion, staying hydrated, and seeking shelter if the home lacks air conditioning. Be alert for heart attack or stroke signs (chest pain, upper‑body discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, dizziness) and call 911 immediately; knowing CPR can significantly improve survival in cardiac arrest.
The piece explains that sepsis is the body's extreme, potentially deadly reaction to infection—affecting about 1.7 million US adults yearly with hundreds of thousands dying—where the inflammatory response, not the infection alone, can cause organ failure. Early recognition and rapid treatment (IV fluids, broad‑spectrum antibiotics, and identifying the infection source) improve outcomes, but sepsis can originate from pneumonia, urinary infections, kidney stones, skin wounds, or surgeries. Even after surviving, many endure post‑sepsis syndrome (fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety) and higher risks of heart/kidney disease. Tools like the TIME acronym help people spot warning signs and seek urgent care promptly.
This article features 21 healthcare professionals debunking common health myths, such as ambulance wait times, misconceptions about vaccines, the overdiagnosis of developmental disorders, and misunderstandings about medical conditions and treatments, emphasizing the importance of accurate health information and appropriate medical care.
The Trump administration revoked a Biden-era policy requiring hospitals to provide emergency abortions, creating confusion and potential risks for pregnant women in states with restrictive abortion laws, amid ongoing legal and political debates over emergency medical treatment and reproductive rights.
The Trump administration has rescinded Biden-era guidance that protected healthcare providers performing emergency abortions under federal law, leading to concerns about legal confusion and potential delays in critical care amid increasing state restrictions and the fallout from the Dobbs decision.
The article provides guidance on when to seek different types of medical care, such as calling 911, going to the emergency room, visiting an urgent care clinic, or contacting your regular doctor. It emphasizes the importance of quick action in severe cases like chest pain, stroke symptoms, and severe injuries, while suggesting urgent care or pharmacy clinics for less critical issues.
After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, federal documents reveal a spike in complaints about pregnant women being denied emergency care in red-state emergency rooms, despite federal mandates requiring treatment. Cases in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina highlight the alarming state of emergency pregnancy care, raising concerns about the impact of strict abortion laws. The Biden administration has sued Idaho over its abortion ban, arguing it conflicts with federal law. The Supreme Court will hear arguments that could weaken protections for pregnant patients, with potential implications for other states.
Lee Health is addressing concerns about nearing peak hospital capacity due to a large influx of patients, which has overwhelmed staff. The increase in emergency visits was described as "seasonal" and not verified as another COVID-19 spike. Hospital officials held a press conference to explain alternative services available for non-emergency patients and urged people to use MyChart application to check in for clinical appointments and to consult their primary physician for non-emergency symptoms. The system is running close to capacity, with hospital beds becoming a commodity, and alternative facilities are being recommended for those feeling ill.
Liberty Hospital in Kansas City experienced an "information technology event" that impacted its operations, prompting the assistance of emergency crews to transport patients to other facilities. The hospital is operating on downtime procedures and evaluating patient care options. The Mid-America Regional Council's strike team, including the Kansas City Fire Department, Lee's Summit Fire Department, Fort Osage Fire Protection District, and Central Jackson County Fire District, helped transport approximately 30 patients, while Liberty EMS transported an additional 10-15. The hospital is urging people to seek emergency care elsewhere until the computer issue is resolved.