Is it an emergency?
- December 2003
- Français
What you need to know about emergency care during the holidays
Hospital Emergency Departments across Niagara are extremely busy this time of year. On average, Niagara's busier Emergency Departments are seeing 130 to 140 patients every day, says Maria Vuono, Regional Program Director, Emergency for the Niagara Health System. "Our health-care services, from ambulance paramedics, to walk-in clinics and emergency departments, are very busy at this time of year. A nurse will see patients as quickly as possible when arriving to the Emergency Departments and will determine how ill or badly-injured they are. The sickest patients are seen first. Please understand that the wait may be longer for non-critical patients during this time of year, due to higher numbers of patients."
Niagara's Hospital Emergency Departments are providing the following information to Niagara residents to minimize health-care emergencies over the holiday season.
Sometimes it is difficult to know whether a health problem is serious or not. Here are just a few examples of when to go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911.
- When experiencing chest pains or tightness in the chest
- When experiencing severe pain
- When experiencing shortness of breath
- When a person is choking or having difficulty breathing
- When a person may have fractured or broken a bone or have a wound that may need stitches
- When experiencing sudden, severe headaches, vision problems, sudden weakness, trouble speaking, dizziness, numbness and/or tingling in the face, arm or leg
- If a child has diarrhea and vomiting and won't eat or drink
- When a baby under 6 months has a fever over 38.5°C or 101°F
If residents need advice, consult with the family physician or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
If residents have any doubts, call 911 or go to the closest Emergency Department.
When arriving at the Emergency Department, a triage nurse will see patients as quickly as possible and will determine the need for care. How soon patients are seen by a doctor will depend on how sick or how badly injured they are, not by time of arrival. The sickest patients are seen first. This triage process is used by nurses and paramedics. If a patient's condition worsens while waiting, it's important to let the nurse know.
Not everyone who comes to Emergency Departments needs to be admitted to hospital. Case Managers within the Emergency Departments can help seniors get placed in Long Term Care facilities if they're in crisis, or in a Retirement Home setting for respite or convalescent care, through a program called Rapid Response. "No-one wants to be admitted to hospital during the Christmas season, and often seniors would prefer to be in a more home-like environment," says Patty Welychka, Regional Director of Utilization Management. Rapid Response Program is a seniors' accommodation hotline which can be reached 905-708-8845 and is a seven-day a week, 24 hour service. "This could be for convalescent care of a few days or longer, depending on the patient's needs."
"We want to improve access to hospital services for the patients who really need acute services," says Patty. "We work with a great many community partners to make sure that there are other options for seniors beyond the hospital acute-care environment."
Be Prepared for the Holidays
Residents can often avoid problems by simply being prepared. Here is a checklist to consider:
- Call the doctor's office and local pharmacy. Find out what their hours will be over the holidays and ask about any back-up coverage arrangements.
- Get a flu shot. Family doctors can offer this service or refer patients to the nearest clinic that does.
- Check Medications and Medical Equipment. Make sure that all family members have enough of their medications, both prescription and non-prescription, to last over the holiday season. Don't forget needles, alcohol swabs, etc. Also check out inhalers, respirators, oxygen, and glucose testing machines.
- Extra Batteries. Have extra batteries on hand for equipment such as electric wheelchairs.
- Medical Checkups. If a checkup or tests are required, try to schedule them before the holidays.
- Update all emergency telephone numbers and post them in a visible place (eg. refrigerator).
How You Can Help!
- Have an up-to-date Ontario Health Card when coming to a Hospital Emergency Department.
- Bring a list of the all the medications being taken on a regular basis along with any other important information like allergies.
- While waiting for treatment, please do not eat or drink without first checking with a nurse.
- If patients decide to leave the Hospital before being seen by a doctor, please talk with a nurse.
On behalf of Niagara's hospitals, its doctors, nurses, paramedics and support personnel, we appreciate your patience and understanding.