Doctors and nurses are making decisions in a fast-paced, stressful environment. Mistakes can and do happen. So the more people know about what to expect the less likely one of those mistakes will happen to them. Reading the book is like having Doc Handal at your side when you need her the most.
Few people get through life without at least one trip to the emergency room (ER), either as a patient or support person for a family member or friend. YourER Survival Guide is designed to help calm readers’ fears by giving them the lowdown on how an ER operates. The book is written by Kathleen Handal, MD, an emergency physician with over 20 years experience. Handal is a nationally and internationally known emergency medicine physician who authored “The American Red Cross First Aid & Safety Handbook”and co-authored a series of medical textbooks.
DocHandal Guides now has available an electronic and print version of this valuable booklet that advises readers on how to navigate the ER. Included are ten simple steps to follow to get ready for an ER visit, as well as valuable insight into how an ER operates so readers can advocate for the best care possible. Complicated tests and terminology are explained in easy-to-understand terms.
Excerpt
"Presenting Your Problem
As mentioned earlier, the first medically trained person that you will be evaluated by is the Triage Nurse. Make sure that when this nurse sees you that you clearly describe the problem, using as few words as possible. There’s a big difference between “I’ve got a pain in my arm” and “I have a pain in my left arm, radiating to my back and chest. And I feel short of breath.” The first comment will get you a ‘number’ and a seat. The second will get you immediate entry and a bed. If the problem is serious, and potentially life threatening, you need to make this known.
Here’s another example: “I feel kind of tired and lightheaded. I get like this sometimes and then I’m okay” or “I feel weak and lightheaded and I’m a diabetic. My last blood sugar reading was 50.” The addition of the word “diabetic” along with your blood sugar reading makes it clear that the problem could be potentially serious. Got the picture? But do not lie in order to be seen quicker, you may end up with a lot of tests or even admitted unnecessarily to the hospital!"
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
