Doctors often encounter situations where prompt attention could have saved lives, but delays have paid steep prices. What is this fear of Emergency Rooms and Hospitals that prevents people from seeking prompt medical help? While plain fear of pain, effort, expense, and scary diagnosis could be reasons for inaction or delay, it is important to understand – and remember The Golden hour concept : The urgent need for the care of Trauma patients. Mortality and morbidity are affected if care is not instituted within the first hour after injury.

The First 60 minutes after the traumatic injury which is most crucial period that determines the patient’s outcome.

Here are the top 5 reasons and the consequences of delaying medical care that can cause irreparable and expensive damage.

An ignored discomfort may not be the indigestion or gas that you thought it was – it could be the symptom before a Heart Attack

Any discomfort or pain in the chest area is often confused with digestive issues. Gas, indigestion, and various other reasons are the topmost reason patients delay coming into ER for prompt help. Do not self-diagnose or delay in seeking medical care. Get prompt help. If it turns out to be just indigestion, that is good news. If it is a heart attack, the sooner you reach the hospital, the greater the chance of survival and recovery.

Mild or severe, giddiness in not always because of fatigue or sugar levels – it could be early signs of a Stroke

Very often, giddiness is attributed to tiredness or sugar fluctuation. When it doesn’t stop after a sugary drink or lying down, it could be a symptom of a stroke. Here again, the golden hour is key to recovery. Rush to an emergency and don’t delay in seeking medical care.

Ignoring breathlessness could mask Serious Respiratory Issues

Breathlessness is as common as it is confusing. Physical activity, change in altitude, mild allergies and polluted air can all cause breathlessness, BUT, if it does not settle soon, it could need prompt medical attention. The Emergency Room will help diagnose severe allergic reactions or respiratory problems such as a pulmonary embolism or pneumothorax. The ER can save lives.

Low-grade or persistent fevers are often ignored

Very often, a low-grade fever is ignored or missed as a simple change in body temperature. If a fever persists over 3 days, it needs prompt medical attention. ion. Serious illnesses like TB, Typhoid, Malaria and more can be missed if we ignore mild fevers that persist. Get to the emergency room without delay for persistent fevers, high or low, and let the doctor decide how serious it could be. You are not qualified and should not be guessing.

Injuries should not be left unchecked

No trauma or injury can be classified minor without proper medical attention Delay in seeking medical care after falls and back or limb injuries can prolong pain and delay recovery. Every injury need not be a sprain or muscle stiffness. It could be a fracture or worse. While there is no cause to panic with every injury, it is important to get prompt medical attention. The Emergency Room can save you prolonged agony and delayed recovery. A simple X-Ray may be all it takes to save you from intense and prolonged suffering when you have an injury that causes swelling and pain.

Always, yes, ALWAYS seek help promptly. An Emergency Room is exactly what it is – where emergencies are dealt with, real problems addressed, and lives are saved. If it is just what is imagined – nothing much, just a simple symptom – so be it. Isn’t that good news? A lot better than hearing the dreaded words – “Sorry, IF you had come in immediately, we could have…”

The Golden Hour is what it is; that critical time between life, death, or irreparable trauma is precious and not wasted by naïve excuses and delays. Be safe and stay healthy. Visit Sundaram Medical Foundation, where we provide prompt medical attention at affordable costs.