I'm a pediatric doctor... here's what you MUST do if you ever go to the ER
A pediatric doctor has revealed the most important tips to remember in order to make a visit to the emergency department as 'smooth' as possible.
The information was shared in a new video on TikTok by Dr. Meghan Martin, a Florida-based pediatric emergency medicine doctor who goes by the username @beachgem10 on the social media platform.
She often makes videos about kids' safety tips, breaks down medical news, and provides guidance during cold, flu and norovirus seasons.
This time, however, Dr. Martin tackled her top suggestions about what you need to do if you ever find yourself in the emergency room to make things just a little bit easier.
The first tip that Dr. Martin offered was to make sure that you bring a phone charger with you.
'You will be here for a while, your phone is going to die, and we don't have extra,' the doctor said simply.
On a similar note, she recommended bringing an iPad or tablet if your kids will be coming with you.
'Bring toys or activities, I promise you they are going to get bored, bring something for them to do,' Dr. Martin instructed.
Next, she spoke about why it was important to avoid eating when in the ER.
'We will starve you because we love you, and we want to expedite if you need a procedure or a surgery, so we want to keep your belly empty,' she told viewers.
Dr. Martin also said that if you have to use the bathroom while in the hospital, it's important to use a cup to do so.
'Even if you're in triage, ask for a cup,' she shared. 'Come ready to pee, drink some water before you come, be ready to pee.'
'We will almost always, especially if you're a woman, need a urine sample.'
She added that you should lower you expectations when it comes to hopes for a quick wait time.
Dr. Martin noted that during busy times of day, or during busy seasons, you could be waiting at the ER for four to six plus hours.
On average, wait times are at least one to two hours.
'And then once you get back, it takes time to do things,' the doctor continued.
'If we order labs, it takes somebody time to get in and get your blood taken, we have to send it to the lab, the lab has to process it, upload it to the system, and then we have to see it and come back and tell you, usually at least 80 or 90 minutes,' she shared.
She noted that it's the same wait time for radiology, especially if you're getting a CT scan.
'Emergency departments are constantly multitasking, you don't know what's going on in other parts of the department, I apologize that it's a long wait, we're doing our best,' Dr. Martin concluded.
In the comments section of the doctor's video, other users even offered their own tips for surviving a night at the emergency department.
'Bring headphones for the kiddos to play their games. Everyone is stressed enough without Baby Shark at top volume,' one person wrote.
Another shared, 'Not only a charger but a POWER BANK! Oftentimes there aren't enough power outlets for everyone to plug in...'
'As a frequent flyer I also bring headphones, comfortable and warm clothes, and gum,' someone else wrote.
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