Regional Medical Center | Thrive for Life | Winter 2018

WHEN YOU ARE FACED with a medical emergency and time is of the essence, it’s critical to have access to an experienced team of emergency professionals trained to handle life-threatening illness or injuries. It truly can mean the difference between life and death. Sometimes urgent care or walk-in primary care is the most appropriate and efficient option for care for your illness or injury. But how do you know whether to call 911, head to an RMC emergency room, or visit an urgent care or walk-in clinic? Knowing the difference and where to seek treatment could save your life. Find the right care, right h ER e— close to home in Anniston, Jacksonville, Oxford, Roanoke or another location among the RMC family of providers. When to call 911 There are times when driving yourself or a loved one to the emergency room is not the best option. If in doubt, you should call 911. Do not drive if you are having severe chest pain or bleeding, if you feel faint, or if your vision is impaired. For certain medical emergencies, including heart attack and stroke, an ambulance is the best option because paramedics can begin lifesaving care on the way. RMC in an em ER gency: Always open RMC emergency departments see over 60,000 patients every year and offer 24-hour care by emergency medicine physicians and specially trained nurses and technicians, many of whom have training in advanced cardiac life support and advanced trauma life support. Our emergency care teams collaborate with on-call specialists as needed, including general surgeons, orthopedists and cardiologists. RMC Anniston is a Level III designated trauma center. Here, you can seek emergent and critical care for a variety of injuries and illnesses. The right care, right h ER e Prepare for the unexpected To expedite treatment, bring your insurance card and photo identification and carry an information card with the following information: ●   ● Name and telephone number of your primary care physician ●   ● Name and telephone number of your next of kin ●   ● A list of medications and drug allergies ●   ● Advance directives, such as living wills, do-not- resuscitate orders or powers of attorney We’ve got you covered! If you are looking for a new primary care physician or an urgent care or ER near home, we’ve got what you need. See page 5 for a map and list of facilities. Regional Medical Center 8 EMERGENCY CARE