What is an office emergency?

An office emergency is when someone in the doctor's office needs emergency medical care. For example, a patient may have a stroke, or a child may be brought in with meningitis.

What can I expect if I have an emergency in the office?

Many medical problems can be treated in the doctor's office, but some problems need to be treated in an emergency room or urgent care center. If you or your child has a medical problem that is more urgent than you thought, your doctor may send you to the emergency room or urgent care center, or call an ambulance.

How can I prevent office emergencies?

Usually, emergencies can't be prevented. But you can ask your doctor what medical emergencies might happen to you or your family. Your doctor can tell you if they can be treated in the office.

Call your doctor and tell him or her about your symptoms. Some medical emergencies can be taken care of better in the emergency room than in an urgent care center, but an urgent care center may have a shorter wait time. Ask your doctor where you should be treated.

How can I prepare for medical emergencies?

• Find out if you or your family are at risk of any medical problems.

• Talk to your doctor about what you should do if an emergency happens.

• Find out which emergency room or urgent care center you should go to in an emergency.

• Know when your doctor's office is open and how to contact your doctor when the office is closed.

• Keep a list of the medicines you take and your medical problems.

• Know how to call an ambulance if you do not have 9-1-1 service in your community.

• Learn basic first aid skills.

Where can I find more information?

Your doctor

The American Heart Association

• Web site: http://www.americanheart.org