Emergency Medicine
What is an emergency?
- A sudden, unexpected, acute medical condition or the worsening of a condition that poses a threat to life, limb or sight and requires immediate treatment.
- WRNMMC Emergency Medicine serves patients with serious injuries or illnesses. Patients needing urgent or emergency care are seen immediately.
What should I do in an emergency?
Call 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency department if:
- You believe that an illness or injury is life threatening, or
- If you experience any of the symptoms below:
Emergency symptoms:
- Bleeding that won’t stop.
- Vomiting or coughing blood, or passing black stools.
- Severe pain in the chest, upper abdomen or down the arm.
- Heart stops beating or pulse is very faint.
- Difficult breathing or the presence of blue lips, face or nail beds.
- Severe headache such as with nausea, vomiting, fever or dizziness.
- Injuries from trauma such as from a fall or auto accident.
- Suicidal or homicidal feelings.
- Extensive burns, especially where skin is white or charred.
- Eye injuries such as from acids or other strong solutions.
- Seizures or convulsion that does not stop.
- Insect stings when the patient is known to have allergic reactions.
- Suspected poisoning.
- Numbness or paralysis on a part of the body.
- Fever of 103 degrees F or higher.
- Consciousness is altered or affected.
If you use a civilian emergency room:
- Notify your Managed Care Support Contractor within 24 hours, AND,
- Notify your Primary Care Manager at 1-(301) 295-CARE (2273).