Methodist Health System | Methodist Mansfield Medical Center | Shine | Summer 2015

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Wouldn’t it be nice if you knew
in advance when you or a loved
one would need emergency
medical treatment?
Unfortunately those incidents
don’t magically appear on your
calendar but that doesn’t mean you
can’t be prepared for trips to the
emergency department (ED)
Just take some pointers from
Ketan Trivedi MD FACEP ED medical
director at Methodist Mansfield
Medical Center First he recommends
you have a bag packed to make ED
trips easier for your family (see the
checklist below)
Next fast-track your visit with
QuickER org where you can schedule
your ED visit online
“Sometimes patients may be
contagious or may just be more
comfortable waiting in their own
homes ” Dr Trivedi says “In that case
you can make your emergency visit
much more convenient by using our
QuickER org service
“Just remember to only use
QuickER org for non-life-threatening
emergencies ” he warns “If the
condition is a matter of life or death
the best thing you can do is call
Emergency medical services
personnel can begin treatment
for a variety of conditions en
route to the hospital That
phone call could be a
lifesaving decision ”
Check!
Be prepared for trips to the
emergency department
Pack your bag
A list of current medications including over-the-counter drugs and
herbal supplements Note their exact names and dosages
A list of allergies to medications foods animals or other products
A detailed medical history including chronic conditions like diabetes and
heart disease and dates of medical procedures and surgeries For recent
surgeries note the name and contact information for the surgeon
Names and phone numbers of your primary care provider and other
specialists you see
If applicable a medical power of attorney form which designates
someone to make medical decisions for you or your loved ones if you’re
unable to
A stuffed animal or toy for children to occupy them or offer comfort
Snacks and bottled water However check with the triage nurse before
eating or drinking
Phone charger Keep your phone powered up to stay in touch with loved
ones or providers
Toiletries and a change of clothes in case you’re admitted and have an
extended hospital stay
Methodist Mansfield Medical Center • Summer 2015 5
Sources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U S Department of Agriculture
Wednesday
BREAKFAST
Order your medium latte
with nonfat instead of
whole milk
Switching to nonfat
calories saved
LUNCH
Pick the small fries
instead of the
supersized serving
Exercising portion control
calories saved
EXERCISE
Zumba® class
hour
calories burned
In total that’s
calories
cut Your weight-loss goals
are just a series of simple
smart choices away
Just losta pound!