Avoiding unecessary emergency room visits
Learn how to manage common health conditions, reduce your risk of preventable emergency room visits, and recognize when to seek medical care
On this page
✓ Steps you can take today
✓ Common health conditions that can lead to emergency room visits
✓ When to seek medical help
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Download printable PDFOriginally published:
March 2024 by the Pacific Regional Centre for Healthy Aging (PRCHA)
Disclaimer
This article was originally developed for the Pacific Regional Centre for Healthy Aging. Health information and recommendations can change as new research becomes available. Some statistics, recommendations, and external resources may have been updated since this article was first published.
This information is for general education purposes only and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.
What you need to know
Some emergency room visits may be prevented by taking steps to stay healthy, managing ongoing medical conditions, and getting medical advice when health concerns first arise.
Prevention starts with everyday habits
Healthy eating, regular physical activity, and recommended vaccinations can help reduce the risk of certain illnesses and health complications.
Managing ongoing conditions matters
Conditions such as heart failure and COPD can sometimes worsen and require hospital care. Working with your health care provider on a management plan can help you respond to changes in your health.
Know when to ask for help
Recognizing changes in your symptoms and seeking medical advice when needed may prevent some health problems from becoming more serious.
Steps you can take today
Eat healthy foods and stay active
Eating a balanced diet and staying physically active can help you maintain your health and reduce your risk of heart disease and other health problems.
Review your medications
Ask your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist to review your medications and make sure they are appropriate for your health needs.
Stay up to date with vaccinations
Talk to your health care provider about vaccinations that can help protect you from infections such as COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia.
Make a plan for ongoing health conditions
If you have a condition such as heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ask your health care provider about a plan to manage your symptoms.
Make sure you understand what to do if your symptoms get worse.
Pay attention to changes in your health
Learn which symptoms to watch for and when to contact your health care provider. Getting medical advice early may help prevent some conditions from becoming more serious.
Common health conditions
Some health conditions can become serious and lead to emergency room visits. Learning about these conditions and following a care plan may help you manage your health.
Heart failure
Heart failure, sometimes called congestive heart failure, means the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It usually develops slowly but can become severe quickly.
How to manage your risk
- Follow your health care provider's advice about salt intake and eating a healthy diet.
- Stay physically active in ways that are appropriate for your health.
- Ask your health care provider whether you should monitor your weight regularly.
- Review your medications with your health care provider at regular appointments.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can affect breathing and may lead to serious illness, especially in older adults.
How to reduce your risk
- Talk to your health care provider about recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Ask about other recommended vaccinations, including influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection is an infection in part of the urinary system. The most common type is a bladder infection. UTIs can sometimes lead to serious health problems in older adults.
How to reduce your risk
- Drink enough fluids, unless your health care provider has advised you to limit how much you drink.
- Speak with your health care provider if you experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
Heart attack
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked.
How to reduce your risk
- Avoid smoking.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruit, and other nutritious foods.
- Stay physically active.
- Review your medications with your primary care provider.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults and people with other health conditions.
How to reduce your risk
- Talk to your health care provider about recommended vaccinations that can help protect against pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is a long-term lung condition that makes breathing difficult. Symptoms can sometimes worsen suddenly and require hospital care.
How to manage your risk
- Ask your health care provider about creating a COPD action plan to help manage your symptoms.
- Learn how to recognize changes in your symptoms and follow your action plan.
- Contact your health care provider promptly if your symptoms worsen, following the instructions in your action plan.
See an example COPD action plan from the Government of BC .
When to seek medical help
Knowing when to ask for help is an important part of managing your health. Some concerns can be addressed by your regular health care provider, while others require immediate medical attention.
Contact your doctor or nurse practitioner if you notice changes in your health, have questions about your medications, or need help managing an ongoing condition.
If you are unsure where to seek care in British Columbia, call 8-1-1 to speak with HealthLink BC.
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you think you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency.
Examples include symptoms of a heart attack, severe difficulty breathing, or signs of a stroke.
Do not delay emergency care because you are worried about making an unnecessary emergency room visit.
Resources
Explore these resources for reliable health information, guidance on managing medical conditions, and finding care in British Columbia.
Health information and services
HealthLink BC Find reliable health information and advice. You can also call 8-1-1 to connect with health services and professionals. Find health services in BC Find information about health services and where to get care in British Columbia.Condition-specific resources
Sodium and healthy eating Learn about sodium (salt) in your diet and ways to make informed food choices. COPD flare-up action plan (PDF) View a Government of British Columbia action plan for managing changes in COPD symptoms. Discuss your own plan with your health care provider.Need more help?
🟦 HealthLink BC
📞 Call 811 (24/7)
Health information and advice from registered nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, exercise professionals, and health service navigators.
🟩 BC 211
📞 Call 211 (24/7)
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