It can be confusing to know how to respond to medical emergencies that suddenly occur or get worse. Here’s an overview.
Injuries and illness can strike at the worst times. Maybe your child wakes up at night with a fever. Your partner might suddenly experience chest pains.

These types of situations can feel overwhelming and scary. You might worry about yourself or your loved ones. It can be hard for you to make the right decision about whether to wait or to call an ambulance. So how can you make a decision?

When is it considered an emergency?

If you have any of these symptoms, the Ambulance Service of NSW suggests that you dial 000.

Tightness and chest pain
Sudden onset weakness, numbness, paralysis or paralysis of the arms, legs, face or arm
breathing difficulties
unconsciousness
uncontrollable bleeding
Sudden, unexplained collapse
Unexplained fittings in adults
The most severe form of burns are seen in children younger than five years old.

Seek emergency assistance if the issue is urgent and serious. If you feel any of these symptoms, call 000 before driving to the hospital. Paramedics sometimes can begin treating you immediately, making it safer.

Associate Professor Paul Middleton at Liverpool Hospital is the deputy chief of emergency medicine. If children are in pain, he recommends they go to an emergency department (ED). To find your nearest one visit Intclinics.

You feel short of breath
Feeling more tired and lethargic.
Interacting with others isn’t possible
Not to drink or pee in small children
You may have a fever or are currently experiencing one. A fever is any temperature that exceeds 38 degrees Celsius.

What should you do if you aren’t sure?

If you don’t have the time or aren’t sure how serious an injury or illness is, healthdirect offers a free online symptom checker. You can also get 24-hour phone advice from registered nurses. They can tell you if you should go to the GP, if you can manage the condition at your home, and if it is better to visit an ED.

“Things such as minor allergic reactions, minor muscle and joint injuries, and small household mishaps like cuts, lacerations, etc., can generally be managed and managed by GPs,” Dr Abhi verma, spokesperson of Royal Australian College of General Physicians and GP.

It is possible to wait and see if a fever, vomiting, pain, or other symptoms develop in the middle or late hours of the night. Or, you can seek medical assistance immediately. It depends.

“Adults are able to replace their fluids by and large, and if fever continues [with paracetamol], they may try a cool washed down. Although a temperature of 40-41 degrees is dangerous, says Dr Kenneth Moroney.

For children, contact healthdirect for advice.

It’s not as serious if the pain comes in waves. Assoc Prof Middleton says that severe, constant, or worsening pains, such as headaches and chest pains, warrant a visit to the hospital.

He adds that there might be instances in which an ED visit would not be appropriate.

“Emergency services are only for emergencies.

“If you believe it to be an emergency or a possibility emergency, that’s great. But some people use EDs simply for convenience.”

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 9.3% of the 7.8,000,000 emergency department visits in 2016-17 were not for urgent conditions.

Other options available than the ED

If you are not experiencing an immediate health problem, but still require prompt treatment, there are some options available:

A general practice that welcomes patients.
Some hospitals also have urgent care facilities, which are walk-in, 24 hour centres that treat injuries and illnesses that may require immediate care.


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