Health Care Public Health

When to Go to the ER in Lenexa: Emergency Room Checklist

A Mother and Her Two Children Walk Hand and Hand Through a Hospital Hallway

Choose the health content that’s right for you, and get it delivered right in your inbox.

Time is of the essence when you’re caught off guard with a medical emergency. It’s normal to feel shaken and scared, and we’re here to help 24/7, including on weekends and holidays, with our state-of-the-art, full-service emergency room in a convenient location close to home in Lenexa.

Emergency rooms are for critical injuries and conditions that can result in the loss of a limb, loss of life or permanent damage.

To reserve an emergency room visit online, click here and use the AdventHealth Lenexa InQuickER system that allows you to wait at home.

Top Signs You Should Go to the ER

Indications that you need emergency care include serious symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, change in mental status, sudden weakness or fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden and severe pain and more. Seek emergency care right away if you have the following signs or symptoms, or call 911:

  • Abrasions or deep cuts
  • Anaphylaxis/severe allergic reactions
  • Bleeding uncontrollably
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Broken bones
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing up blood
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Major head injury
  • Poisoning
  • Pregnancy-related medical conditions
  • Seizures
  • Serious trauma
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Severe burns
  • Severe vomiting that hasn’t subsided for several hours
  • Sudden onset of severe pain
  • Suspected heart attack
  • Suspected stroke

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms above, don’t wait it out. You should go to the ER right away.

What to Expect When You Visit Our Emergency Rooms

We know you’re scared, stressed and have lots of questions. That’s why we’ll treat you compassionately and do everything in the best interest of your well-being. We start with the basics — name, birth date, medical history and reason for your visit. We also take your vital signs. From there, we will determine how to best proceed.

Through a process known as triage, careful prioritization can make all the difference for patients in critical condition. Sometimes, this means earlier treatment for a later-arriving patient. We strive to make ER wait times as short as possible, so that you can find ease from your stress and pain. We might see a person suffering from a suspected heart attack or stroke as soon as they get here so they can get the speedy specialized care they need. When every minute counts, you can count on us. Our emergency rooms are equipped with the latest medical technology.

What to Bring to the ER

To help keep your stress levels low and expedite treatment, you may want to consider keeping an information card in your handbag or wallet at all times. Include the name and number of your primary care physician, a list of your medications, drug allergies and any advance directives you may have.

Along with your doctor’s name, list of medications and drug allergies, make sure you have your insurance card handy, an emergency contact’s name and number, your own identification, and personal items like glasses and hearing aids. You may also want to bring a comfort item such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal if the ER visit is for a child.

What Not to Bring to the ER

Please note that the hospital is not responsible for lost or damaged items. That’s why you shouldn’t bring electronic gadgets, laptops, tablets, jewelry or other valuables into the ER. We encourage you to send jewelry, credit cards, keys, important papers, and large amounts of cash home with a family member for safekeeping. If you must bring valuables with you, please ask about having them placed in the hospital's safe during your visit or stay.

Don’t worry about bringing sleepwear or toiletries; we're happy to provide you with everything you need to make your stay more comfortable.

It’s also important to know that while you’re in the hospital, we are required by law to dispense all of your medications, so you can leave your prescriptions at home.

Whole-Person Care for Life’s Unexpected Emergencies

At AdventHealth Lenexa, it’s not just the body that we attend to. It’s also your peace of mind and your spiritual health. Click here to learn more about our emergency and urgent care services near you.

Learn more about what to expect from AdventHealth’s ER experience here.

Recent Blogs

understanding-summer-allergies
Blog
Understanding Summer Allergies
A man running outside while listening to music.
Blog
Take an Outside Interest in Working Out
Blog
When To See a Doctor for a Burn
woman-standing-and-smiling-indoors
Blog
The Way to Women’s Heart Health
Blog
Lupus and Its Impact on Heart Health
View More Articles