Fit to Post HealthCuts, fever and headaches: When to go to the A&E
The A&E (Accident and Emergency) departments of public hospitals have been seeing a continuous rise in the number of patients for the past five years – going up by approximately 5.4 percentage or an additional 36,000 visits per annum.
However, the main cause for this increase isn’t a rise in the number of actual emergency cases in Singapore.
On the contrary, based on recent studies conducted at public hospitals including Singapore General Hospital (SGH), more than half of the cases that the A&E sees are for non-emergencies or what hospitals classify as P3 (Priority 3) cases.
Hence, if you require medical attention, before you head straight for the nearest emergency department, quickly assess the situation and see if it warrants emergency treatment.
“Doing this simple initial step can help save lives as it frees up A&Es of non-emergency cases. Plus, if you have a non-emergency condition and visit a GP instead, you’ll probably get treated sooner,” says Dr Jeremy Wee, Consultant, Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
Here are some basic assessment guidelines regarding common situations so you know when to go to the A&E.
Cuts
A cut or laceration is a break in the skin. The edges of the wound may be straight or jagged, and bleeding can occur if it is deep. However, most small cuts can be treatable at home.
Treat at Home | Visit Your GP | Go to the A&E |
Begin by rinsing the cut under cold running water then clean the wound with a sterile gauze swab. Apply a bandage. | If sand particles or wooden splinters are found in the cut. If an infection develops, causing fever, redness, swelling, pain and pus formation. If the cut is caused by a rusty object or an animal bite, or a puncture wound. | If the cut is deep and bleeding won’t stop. |
Related article: 10 must-have items in a home emergency medical kit
Headaches
Headaches can be due to many causes, ranging from stress, common viral infections and fevers, migraines, to more serious conditions such as intracranial haemorrhage or brain tumours. However, the most common causes of headaches are tension headaches and migraines.
Treat at Home | Visit Your GP | Go to the A&E |
Take a painkiller like an aspirin (not recommended for children) or ibuprofen. Cool your body down by taking a cold shower and rest. | If you suffer from one or more of the following:
| If you suffer from one or more of the following:
|
Related article: Doctor’s tips to prevent headaches
Fever
A fever occurs when a person’s body temperature rises above the normal body temperature of 37°C as a result of an infection, heat injuries or dehydration. Other symptoms that accompany a fever include a hot flushed face, headache, loss of appetite, body aches, generalised weakness, shivering or sweating.
While most fevers can be due to common viral infections, you should seek medical attention if your symptoms are persistent as fevers from serious bacterial infections will need prompt treatment and evaluation.
Treat at Home | Visit Your GP | Go to the A&E |
Check your body temperature using a thermometer. For a fever less than 38°C, rest and drink plenty of fluid. You can take paracetamol if you have no drug allergies to it. | If your fever is 38°C or above, or lasts for more than two to three days. If you have chronic medical conditions like asthma or diabetes or renal failure, as these patients are at risk of more complicated infections. If you are pregnant. If you have recently returned from overseas. | If your fever is persistent and if you are unable to cope with its associated symptoms. Do go to the A&E urgently if there is shortness of breath, confusion, productive cough, vomiting or abdominal pain, as this will require further detailed assessment. |
Related article: Burns, vomiting, nosebleeds and more. Where to go for treatment?
This article was written by Alvin Chumari for Health Xchange, with expert input from the Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
Find more health-related tips and articles on HealthXchange.com.sg, Singapore's trusted health and lifestyle portal.
Health Xchange's articles are meant for informational purposes only and cannot replace professional surgical, medical or health advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.
