Visiting the hospital emergency department could both be life-saving and frightening. Since visits to the ER are driven by sudden illnesses and other urgent situations, it has become a crucial setting for movies and television programs to layout their plots. However, due to this, many misconceptions have aroused regarding the said place.
That’s why, to help you create a more realistic picture of the ER, we have compiled a few of the most common myths about the hospital emergency department Bundaberg, along with explanations on why each one is a big no-no:
Myth #1: “The ER works on a first-come, first-served basis.”
Although the first-come, first-served basis applies in different services, the ER plays on a different arrangement. Instead of following the order of arrival, the hospital emergency department works using the triage system, in which nurses will inquire about the conditions of each patient and determine which among them needs the most urgent attention.
Myth #2: “Patient satisfaction should be the top priority.”
Let’s be frank. Patient satisfaction is different from customer satisfaction. Since physicians are bound by certain ethical and legal standards, they cannot just order something that a patient request for, especially if the request may not always be for the patient’s best interest.
Myth #3: “If something feels off, go to the ER.”
Perhaps, one of the most common misconceptions about the ER is that it is the right place to turn whenever you’re sick. In fact, recent studies show that more than half of all ER visits are actually not serious enough to fall under the category. With this, it is important to distinguish ER conditions from those that require only urgent centre care.
Generally, conditions such as severe chest or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, poisoning, head injuries, repeated vomiting, and many other fatal conditions call for an immediate hospital emergency department visit. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, sprains, and other ailments that share the same degree, the urgent centre care is the right place for you.
When it comes to health, it pays to be educated. It’s time to break these myths about the hospital emergency department and discover the true qualities this place presents.
As you visit the emergency department, be sure to keep these misconceptions out of your mind.
