River Oaks Emergency Center

Tips for Staying Calm during an Emergency Situation

When confronted with a medical emergency or stressful situation, our bodies respond by releasing adrenaline into the bloodstream. This hormone increases your heart rate and stimulates the fight or flight response, which can contribute to a sense of fear and panic. It is vitally important, however, to channel the energy and alertness provided by an adrenaline rush toward maintaining a calm and productive mindset. Remaining calm during an emergency will help you think more clearly and respond to the event with logic and control. Below are a few tips for staying calm in an emergency, and don’t forget to visit an emergency center in Houston when you’re faced with a medical emergency that’s out of your hands.

• Take slow, deep breaths: Controlling your breathing is often the best way to get a handle on fear and panic. With each breath, reassure yourself that the situation can be handled effectively. This will help you to think clearly and keep from getting overwhelmed by the medical emergency.
   
• Assess the situation carefully: Take stock of the situation to determine if the panic you are feeling is really justified and decide what you can do to improve the situation. Feelings of fear are often caused by the unknown; instead of worrying about the future, spend that energy confronting the present situation logically and effectively. If you need to direct someone else, address him or her clearly by name and give straightforward commands.
   
• Have a plan for medical emergencies: Although emergencies are impossible to predict, you can help to ensure you are ready for them by organizing a plan. Find out what emergency care facilities are nearest to you and be sure that you are aware of first aid protocols and trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

When you need emergency medical assistance, seek help from the experienced professionals of River Oaks Emergency Center. We are a 24-hour emergency room located in Houston, Texas. Contact us today by calling (713) 469-3223 if you are looking for more information about our medical services.

What Is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is most commonly caused by insect bites, peanuts, and seafood. Although not all anaphylactic reactions are life-threatening, less severe reactions can put you at a higher risk for experiencing a lethal reaction in the future.

This video is a part of the Mayo Clinic’s campaign to increase the awareness of these potentially deadly reactions. Watch to learn more about how anaphylaxis manifests and what you can do if a severe reaction occurs.

If you or a loved one suffers from a life-threatening allergic reaction, seek treatment at Houston’s 24-hour emergency center, River Oaks Emergency Center. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to promptly diagnose and treat any life-threatening emergency. Contact us today at (713) 469-3223 to learn more about our services.

5 Services a 24-Hour Emergency Care Center Can Offer You

When you or a loved one is confronted with a medical emergency, every second counts in diagnosis and treatment. This is why it’s vitally important for emergency room physicians to have quick access to the imaging tools and laboratory equipment needed to make a prompt and accurate diagnosis. At a 24-hour emergency care center, you will find the full range of diagnostic equipment to help doctors treat injured or ill patients as quickly as possible. Below are five of the services that a standalone ER facility like River Oaks Emergency Center can offer you.

1. Ultrasound: Ultrasound, or sonography, is a completely safe and noninvasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the organs and soft tissues of the body in real time. In the ER, a physician may use sonography to evaluate the pelvic area, gall bladder, or other organs for abscesses or other abnormalities, or to guide the placement of a central line.

2. X-ray: X-ray is one of the fastest and easiest ways to assess bone fractures. This imaging modality can also be used to scan the chest, pelvis, extremities, and abdomen for abnormalities or can be used in organ diagnostic studies.

3. CT Scanning: State-of-the-art 3D computerized tomography (CT) scanning is vital in the detection of intracranial hemorrhage, fractures in the facial bones, appendicitis, and many other organ and bone conditions.

4. On-site Laboratory: Having a laboratory inside the ER is essential to the quick evaluation of blood and other substances. Labs can be used to perform tests such as strep screens, drug screens, complete blood cell counts, urinalysis, and much more.

5. Advanced Life Support Systems: Support systems such as advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and advanced trauma life support help to ensure that patients are treated with skill by highly trained and dedicated professionals.

At River Oaks Emergency Center, our experienced healthcare team is always prepared to take care of you, 24 hours a day at our emergency center in Houston. You can learn more about these services and more by visiting our website or contacting our staff at (713) 469-3223.

Preparing for a Natural Disaster

Not only is it important to prepare for a trip to the emergency room, but it is also very important to prepare for potential natural disasters that could keep you locked in your house for days on end. This video gives helpful advice that will keep you and your family safe inside your house in case of an emergency.

If you're looking for an emergency center in Houston, contact River Oaks Emergency Center at (713) 469-3223 for more information.