Code ER: Everything you need to know about the Emergency Room

MANILA, Philippines - A trip to the ER (or ED, for Emergency Department) can prove unsettling and terrifying, especially for first-timers. Dr. Johnny B. Sinon, head of Makati Medical Center’s Emergency Department (ED), offers a primer on what to do and expect, the processes involved, and how MakatiMed’s very own ED can be of great help to you.

When to go

In cases of minor or routine health problems, it is best to try treating your condition at home first, that is, if you know first aid. “Patients with more severe conditions are given priority at the ED,” explains Dr. Sinon. “So it’s also advisable to learn the corresponding emergency treatments for minor issues, as you may be able to resolve this at home with the help of a family member.”

He adds: “But if your medical situation is characterized by graver symptoms such as persistent vomiting or diarrhea, uncontrolled bleeding or coughing and vomiting of blood, difficulty in breathing, sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision or mental status, and severe chest pains, it’s advisable to head to the ED immediately.”

What to expect

Upon arrival at the ED, a nurse will assess the patient’s medical state based on vital signs — mainly temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Afterwards, the patient will be asked to take certain examinations to get a closer look at the body’s overall condition. “Some of the routine ED tests we conduct include X-rays, blood tests, and ECGs (electrocardiography),” Dr. Sinon says.

Also, he says it is important for the doctor in charge to know the patient’s medical history. “Recent illnesses, allergies, among others, help us analyze the symptoms of the patient and work around medical limitations and implications based on past and present health issues.”

Should a patient’s diagnosed ailment be deemed treatable without the need for constant monitoring, he or she is likely to be discharged with an accompanying written instruction on medications. “You’ll also be advised regarding the restrictions of your condition and, when necessary, a recommendation for a consult with a medical specialist in the hospital on how to better manage your symptoms,” Dr. Sinon reveals.

He cautions: “However, if results show that your illness is critical and needs round-the-clock medical care that cannot be administered from home, you may be admitted to the hospital for confinement and close observation.”

At MakatiMed, says Dr. Sinon, the importance of end-to-end patient services characteristic of excellent emergency care is something that the hospital very well addresses, thanks to its newly-renovated ED. “Apart from the revamped interiors, our ED now has more advanced medical equipment and streamlined processes for the efficient handling of emergency cases. We now also have specialized ED doctors on hand to better look after individual patient needs.”

But at the end of the day, he stresses that the effectiveness of an ED is also partly determined by the person’s initial assessment of an emergency situation. He thus reminds those who find themselves in such a scenario to remain calm.

“It’s not always easy to do, but try to keep steady so that you are able to assess yourself or the person you’re with more carefully and accurately. It’s when you are in a state of panic that your focus is affected. And of course, rush to the ED when you deem that the situation calls for it — this may spell the difference between recovery and an escalating condition,” Dr. Sinon concludes.