Time-Critical Medical Emergencies
Much of what we do in the ER carries a sense of urgency. Our doctors and nurses have a pressing need to quickly and correctly diagnose patients so we can treat them as effectively as possible.
However, no matter how efficient we are in the emergency room when it comes to time-critical medical emergencies, the outcome largely depends on how quickly the patients arrive at our facility.
What Is a Time-Critical Medical Emergency?
Medical conditions that can result in long-term disability or death, as well as those that can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly, are known as time-critical or time-sensitive medical emergencies.
In these instances, getting medical attention and getting it fast is key to the patient’s survival and long-term wellbeing— conditions such as a trauma with a severe injury, a stroke, or a heart attack fall under this category.
Top Time-Critical Injuries
Time-critical medical emergencies occur every day, knowing how to recognize them can help save someone’s life.
Acute Ischemic Stroke
Strokes are the 5th leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in America. Estimates show that a person suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and every 4 minutes, there is a stroke-related death.
Neurological emergencies like stroke are, unfortunately, widespread and frequently devastating. The good news is when diagnosed and treated within the first three hours; many patients can make a full recovery.
Signs of Stroke
Although every patient may experience different symptoms, the following are the signs the CDC considers to be the most common:
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side
- Unexplained and sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
- Unexpected difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, difficulty walking or lack of coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart stops; this is often the result of a blockage in one of the arteries. The condition requires immediate medical attention; otherwise, that section of the heart muscle begins to die.
Symptoms of Heart Attack
Common heart attack symptoms include:
- Pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest or arms that may spread to the neck, jaw or back
- Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
Cardiac Arrest
Unlike a heart attack where blood flow is interrupted to a part of the heart muscle, during a cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating.
This is an extreme time-critical emergency because unless the patient receives immediate medical attention to reanimate the heart muscle, they will die.
Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
There are often no warning signs before a Cardiac Arrest occurs; however, some patients may experience the following symptoms before a Sudden Cardiac Arrest:
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Fainting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
Spinal Cord Injuries
Researchers estimate 17,730 new spinal cord injuries (SCI) cases occur each year, and between 249,000 and 363,000 people are currently living with SCI in the United States.
A spinal cord injury is any trauma to the spinal cord that results in temporary or permanent damage. SCI is usually the result of blunt trauma caused by vehicular accidents, falls, violence, and sports.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Paralysis of the lower extremities (paraplegia) or lower and upper extremities (quadriplegia)
- Spreading numbness in the extremities
- Feelings of pressure, pain, and stiffness in the back or neck area
- Abnormal positioning of the head
- Unconsciousness
- Headache
- Signs of shock
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is sudden damage to the brain caused by a violent blow or jolt to the head.
TBI injuries range from mild to severe, in the case of severe traumatic brain injuries, patients require immediate medical attention as the injuries could lead to long-term complications or even death.
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
- Prolonged Loss of consciousness lasting more than a few minutes to hours
- Inability to awaken from sleep
- Profound Confusion
- Dilated pupils in one or both eyes
- Persistent headache or headache that worsens
- Vomiting or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
- Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
- Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior
- Coma and other disorders of consciousness
Know Where to Go
Recognizing the symptoms of potential time-critical illnesses and injuries is vital to saving the life of our loved ones. However, it is also essential to know how to act and where to go in times of emergency.
At Prestige ER, we have at your disposal top-rated emergency physicians and nurses as well as the most advanced diagnostic equipment.
We are open 24/7 every day of the year including holidays, and we accept all major insurance plans. There is no need to ask for previous approval from your insurer as, by law, your health plan must cover you in the event of a true emergency.
HealthCare.gov recommends that in case of an emergency, you head straight to the closest ER.
You DO NOT need to get prior approval from your health insurance company.
They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.
Prestige ER is open and ready to care for you during an emergency in which your health is significantly jeopardized 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way.
They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.
Prestige ER is open and ready to care for you during an emergency in which your health is significantly jeopardized 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way. For more information regarding your rights as a patient, view our Insurance Information.
Know Where to Go in the Event of an Emergency
Prestige ER is Your #1 Choice During an Emergency.
#WeStayOPEN 24/7, through weekends & all holidays!
Prestige ER is honored to serve the residents and those passing through Plano and Mesquite and surrounding cities.
Part of caring for your health is to know where to go in case of an emergency. Please keep in mind that Prestige ER is Open 24/7 every day of the year, if you need us, we are here for you.
We are available 24/7 because an accident can happen at any time. Do not risk your health! Get help from the ER experts when you need it, visit us immediately either in Plano or Mesquite.
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