Car accidents are stressful and scary events. It is not uncommon for car accidents to leave those involved feeling shaken, confused and disoriented, especially in the immediate aftermath. Therefore, if you have experienced a car accident, knowing what to expect during your visit to the LifeSavers ER emergency room can be helpful. Some awareness about what your visit will look like may help ease some anxiety.
This article will guide you through the typical steps of an emergency room visit following a car accident.
Arriving at the Emergency Room
Upon arrival at the emergency room, you will first check-in at the reception desk. You can provide basic information (eg, identification, insurance information) and a brief description of the symptoms or injuries you experienced. If your injuries are severe, you will likely be taken to a treatment room immediately to be seen by a doctor.
Triage
After check-in, you will undergo a brief triage process. At this time, a clinic staff member will assess the severity of your injuries. They will ask about your symptoms, medical history and how the accident occurred. They may also take your vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature. This assessment helps prioritize patients based on the urgency of their medical needs.
Meeting with the Doctor
A doctor will attend to you once you’re assigned a treatment room. They will take a detailed account of the car accident to determine the type of injuries you may have sustained and the extent of those injuries. They will ask about any symptoms, such as pain, bleeding or headaches, that you may have experienced following the accident. They will take a routine medical history and ask about factors such as current medications, a history of any existing medical conditions, family medical history and past surgeries.
Physical Examination
Your doctor will also conduct a thorough physical examination to identify visible injuries. They will check for bruising, swelling, cuts and any signs of trauma. They may also assess your neurological status, including checking your reflexes, sensation and motor functions. The type of physical exam carried out will depend on the type of injury that you have sustained.
Medical Interventions and Tests
Based on your doctor’s initial assessment, they will speak to you about the recommendations. Some cases may not require additional testing, but those that do may involve one or more of the following:
Blood Tests
Blood tests might be conducted to check for internal bleeding, infections, or other underlying medical conditions that could complicate your injuries. These tests can also provide valuable information about your overall health status.
Imaging Tests
- X-rays are typically the first imaging tests performed, especially if bone fractures are suspected. X-rays can quickly reveal broken bones or dislocations.
- CT Scans – If more detailed images are needed, especially for soft tissue injuries or suspected internal bleeding, a CT scan may be performed. This test provides cross-sectional images of your body, helping to identify issues that X-rays might miss.
- MRI Scans—An MRI scan might be necessary for soft tissue injuries, such as damage to muscles, ligaments, or the brain. This test uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of soft tissues.
Other Procedures
- Ultrasound: If there is a concern about internal injuries, particularly in the abdomen, an ultrasound might be used. This test uses sound waves to create images of internal organs and can help detect bleeding or organ damage.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG might be performed if you experience chest pain or the doctor suspects a heart-related issue. This test records the electrical activity of your heart and can help identify any heart problems.
Treatment and Follow-Up
Once the necessary tests and procedures are completed, your doctor will review the results and discuss the diagnosis. Based on the findings, they will recommend a treatment plan. All treatment plans will vary based on the injuries sustained and their severity.
Immediate Treatments
In some cases, immediate treatment for your condition may be required. The doctor might apply a cast or splint for fractures or dislocations immediately. If you have deep cuts or lacerations, stitches may be applied.
Pain management, including medications, will be provided as needed in all cases.
Specialist Referrals and Severe Injuries
- In cases where injuries require urgent and immediate care, you might be kept in for temporary observation at the emergency room or transferred to a dedicated hospital for further treatment.
- If your injuries require specialized care, you may be referred to a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon or neurologist, to follow up in the next 24-48 hours.
In all cases, your doctor will always discuss these options with you beforehand.
Discharge Instructions
You will receive discharge instructions if your injuries are not severe enough to require hospitalization. These instructions will include details on caring for your injuries at home, any prescribed medications and signs of complications to watch for. You will also be advised to schedule follow-up appointments with your primary care physician or a specialist.
Visiting an emergency room after a car accident can be daunting. However, knowing what to expect can help ease some of the stress. From triage to meeting with your doctor and undergoing tests and scans, each step is designed to ensure that you receive the best possible care in an effective, compassionate and informative way.
24 Hour Emergency Room in Houston
Each Life Savers Houston Emergency Room location is equipped to handle life threatening conditions quickly. Your emergency or concern is our priority! Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is your Houston Emergeny Room for immediate definite care. Do not hesitate to call us today or stop by one of our 24 hour houston ER locations: Willowbrook Emergency Room, Heights Emergency Room, or Summerwood Emergency Room.
