Lessons From The ER

OK, so most people know that I work at an emergency room (actually two emergency rooms but one of them not as often as the other one). I haven't written anything in my blog for a while and I thought I would write something which may be interesting or at least educational for those who are not so familiar with some of the common things I see at the ER. I will get right to it. These are all things based on my personal experiences:

1. No matter what age you are, make sure you have something in your wallet or someone in your cell phone listed as an emergency contact. You will regret not having done this simple thing if you are unable to speak. It happens quite often. You will also regret not encouraging your loves ones to do this if something terrible happens and you weren't by their side because we didn't know how to get a hold of you. And by the time we get a hold of you, it may be too late.

2. If you are saving up so you can part-ay and travel during your retirement, it probably won't be enough or realistic. I don't know if you are aware that Assisted Livings or Nursing Homes are NOT covered by insurance other than after medical procedures (aka knee replacement etc) only for a few days. So if you or your loved one can't get around your two story house or one of you wonders out in the street dangerously because of dementia, you are all on your own. Assisted Livings average $130 per day. Nursing Homes are anywhere from $120 to $500 per day.You need to plan for that too.

3. Getting medical care should be a priority. Your cell phone and your hair highlights are a privilege. It's sad we have been taught we are entitled or the world "owes us." Unfortunately, even though you can be seen at an ER without making a payment upfront, if you need follow up with a specialist you will not be seen unless you pay a rather large down-payment (meaning a few hundreds). And yes, they CAN turn you away. My suggestion? If need be, get rid of the cell phone and the highlights and save the money you need because my impression is that if you are referred to a specialist it is likely you will not get better without their treatment and without it you will probably get worse.

4. If you ever want to work in an ER you have to be a self-starter and a team player. It's amazing what I have seen accomplished by the great people I work with. 

5. Just because it's an ER it doesn't mean = fast. When you are having several different tests being done, they take time to get results. Be ready to be there for a little bit.

6. Calling an ER with medical questions does you no good. It's impossible to give medical advise over the phone without seeing someone, you could make a fatal mistake. Plus the people who answer the phones are not nurses of doctors. You should just google it or if not, come to be seen by a doctor.

7. Do not let your kids walk around barefoot in the ER!!! I probably shouldn't go into detail for this one but trust me, avoid it at all costs.

8. Please consider organ donation seriously. It is my personal belief that once I am dead, my body doesn't do me any good. So I hope I can help others live or see or walk or hold they children in their arms. If you want to choose to donate, please let your loves ones know. Just because you are registered through the State doesn't mean that your family will choose that for you if they weren't aware. It is very difficult for a loved one to make that kind of a decision when they are in so much pain.

9. Cherish the time you have with your loves ones. Even if they are really young, or the safest drivers you know, or the healthiest people ever, etc; I have seen people pass away for no reason pretty much. Meaning, natural causes which were completely unexpected. It is those times that I am reminded of the people who are important in my life and how most things don't matter. But love does.

Well, I don't think I have much more to say. There are always new things that I am learning but these are the ones that stick out in my mind because it would have been nice to know them a long time ago.