When you find yourself in need of emergency care, it's important to know what to expect. This guide from AdventHealth South Overland Park will provide you with some information to help you prepare for your visit.
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 advanced directives you may have.
When you get here, 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.
What to Expect When You Visit Our Emergency Room
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 called 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.
When to Visit an Emergency Room
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.
Emergency rooms are for emergency situations that can result in the loss of a limb or life, or other permanent damage. We hope you never have to visit the ER, but please don’t wait if you experience an emergency. We will provide you the best care possible.
Whole-Person Care for Life’s Unexpected Emergencies
At AdventHealth South Overland Park, 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.
