Healthcare Directory

2018 Medical & Dental Directory | 59 symptoms shouldn't be wasting it sitting needlessly in an urgent care. "That's what 911 is for," he said. "We can start treatment right on the ambulance on the way to the ED to help prevent death or permanent damage to your heart or brain." So what constitutes a real medical emergency? A simple rule of thumb is to ask if a life or limb is on the line. These situations require rapid or advanced treatment procedures, such as emergency surgery, only available through a hospital setting. Some of the symptoms best evaluated through EDs include: • Persistent chest pain, vomiting, sweating, or shortness of breath that may indicate a heart episode • Severe heart palpitations • Serious breathing difficulty • Sudden difficulty speaking or trouble understanding speech, which may indicate stroke or other sudden brain condition • Severe broken bones or dislocated joints • Head or eye injuries • Deep cuts, especially on the face, that leave large open wounds that won't stop bleeding • Serious burns • Seizures without a previous history of epilepsy • Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy • Newborn baby with a fever higher than 100.4 Experts warn patients to go ahead and call 911 if they're uncertain if they are experiencing a true emergency. For certain medical conditions, like the previously mentioned heart attacks and strokes, calling 911 is always the right decision. Paramedics can provide lifesaving care during the ride to the hospital. However, many patients go to an ED even if they aren't experiencing a true emergency. Then they have to wait longer than expected to receive care. "That's what people don't understand," Dr. Ferro said. "They won't be seen right away, because patients are assessed, or triaged, when they first arrive at an ED. "The assessment determines the order patients are seen. You'll definitely be taken care of. But true medical emergencies, where people's lives are on the line, are treated first." Whether it's an ED or urgent care, it's best to be as prepared as possible for treatment. Bring a current list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements taken. The list should include dosage and frequency. Doctors may ask patients for a list of known allergies and any previous surgeries, medical procedures, and chronic conditions. They may also ask more personal questions, such as previous or current drug use. Honesty is always best, because the answers will determine the best course of treatment. n *Check with your insurance carrier, as some do not pay for ExpressCare visits as urgent care visits. Cape Fear Valley Health is committed to providing excellent patient care — whether you're coming in for a scheduled appointment or have an immediate medical issue in need of express care. Our ExpressCare clinics in Fayetteville and Elizabethtown offer the convenience of walk- in appointments combined with the area's most skilled healthcare services. FAYETTEVILLE/CUMBERLAND COUNTY LOCATIONS: Cape Fear Valley ExpressCare 1638 Owen Drive Fayetteville, NC 28304 (910) 615-4372 7 Days a Week - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Health Pavilion North ExpressCare 101 Robeson Street, Suite 300 6287 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 (910) 615-3879 7 Days a Week - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Highsmith-Rainey ExpressCare 150 Robeson Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 (910) 615-1220 7 Days a Week - 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bladen County Location: Bladen Medical Associates - Elizabethtown 300 A East McKay Street Elizabethtown, NC 28337 (910) 862-5500 or 862-2122 7 days a week - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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