Non-Life-Threatening Emergency Room
DOC-AID Urgent Care
What are non-life-threatening emergencies?
An emergency is a serious and often dangerous situation that requires immediate action. In a medical context, this can include hundreds of different situations, from a broken bone to a severe allergic reaction. While it is important to know the difference between an urgent medical situation and a medical emergency, it is also imperative to differentiate life-threatening emergencies from non-life-threatening emergencies. Non-life-threatening emergencies are medical situations that do not pose a risk to someone’s life but still need to be treated right away, such as a fractured femur or first-degree burn. A life-threatening emergency is a medical situation where an individual’s life is in jeopardy if they do not receive immediate medical attention, including a heart attack, stroke, severe burns covering over ten percent of the body, and deep wounds that cause significant amount of blood loss. Examples of non-life-threatening emergencies include:
• Minor to moderate cuts and burns
• Insect and animal bites
• Strains
• Sprains
• Fractures
• Influenza
They often include symptoms like:
• Sudden and severe pain
• High fever
• Increasing serious illness
What is considered a life-threatening emergency?
A life-threatening emergency is a medical situation that could be fatal if not treated immediately. This can include many different injuries, illnesses, symptoms, and conditions, such as:
• Life-Threatening Symptoms
• Severe chest pains
• Vomiting blood
• Paralysis of arms or legs
• Respiratory distress or cessation of breathing
• Choking and unable to clear the obstruction
• Uncontrolled bleeding that will not stop
• Sudden slurred speech
• Prolonged unconsciousness
Accidents
Vehicle collision
Industrial accidents
Drowning
Reaction to snake bite or bee sting
Struck by lightning
Drug overdose
Severe burns
Head or spinal cord injury
Medical Emergencies
Stroke
Heart attack
Seizure
Diabetic shock
Heatstroke
Hypothermia
Anaphylaxis
Severe sepsis and septic shock
Poisoning
What are the main steps of an emergency action plan?
The main steps of an emergency action plan include: determining the condition of the patient and stabilizing them, if necessary; calling emergency services and requesting immediate help; providing first aid until emergency workers arrive. In a medical setting such as a clinic or hospital, these steps look quite different as there is no need to call emergency services. The steps typically include: stabilizing the patient; determining the extent of their injuries; providing the necessary treatments to restore their health; provide ongoing care until the patient is able to be discharged.
What are common examples of non-lifethreatening injuries?
A non-life-threatening injury is an injury that does not endanger one’s life but still needs to be treated right away. When properly treated, these types of injuries will not likely have a long-term impact on life or function. Non-life-threatening injuries are typically resolved during a visit to an urgent care clinic with minimal follow-up care required by the patient.