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We hope you never have to deal with a medical emergency requiring a trip to the ER. But if you do, we’re here for you with a full-service emergency room close to home so you can feel your best again as quickly as possible.
At AdventHealth Wauchula, we’re committed to providing high-quality, safe and efficient care for our patients. We have some valuable tips to share with anyone who may visit the emergency room. We hope that you never need to use them, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Tips for an Easier Visit
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.
What to Bring to the ER
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 are in the hospital, we are required by law to dispense all of your medications, so you can leave your prescriptions at home.
Common Conditions Our ER Treats
Here is a list of some of the most common reasons people end up in the AdventHealth Wauchula ER. Seek emergency care right away if you experience the following, 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
- Severely low or high blood sugar
- Sudden onset of severe pain
- Suspected heart attack
- Suspected stroke
What to Expect When You Visit Our ER
When you visit an ER, 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 you can find relief 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 specialized care they need quickly.
When every minute counts, you can count on us. Our emergency rooms are equipped with the latest medical technology and you will be visited by a team of skilled, caring, compassionate providers who have your best interest and safety in mind.
What Comes Next After an ER Visit
After your visit, we’ll connect you with physicians and resources for follow-up care and well-being based on your circumstances. If you need hospitalization or a transfer to a specialized facility, we’ll take care of every arrangement on your way to whole-person wellness.
At AdventHealth Wauchula, it’s not just the body that we attend to. It’s also your peace of mind and your spiritual health. Learn more about our urgent care and emergency services here.