ER

In the latest COVID-19 surge, many hospitals across the country are on diversion, meaning they're asking ambulances to take patients elsewhere. Here's how that could affect you.

By Joanna Thompson

When you call 911 in the U.S., you expect an ambulance to come roaring to your aid in a matter of minutes. But how are ambulances dispatched - and why do they cost so much?

By Patrick J. Kiger

You really liked that ER doctor who stitched up your arm. That is until you got your bill. Turns out the doctor was out of your insurance network, even though the hospital's ER is in network. How does that happen?

By Kate Kershner

We all know a trip to the emergency room is never quick, but sometimes the ER is so jam-packed that you think that you're in the country's busiest ER. So just where is America's busiest ER? Well, it depends on who you ask.

By Kate Kershner

You just broke your arm, and you're flat broke. But you don't worry about getting medical treatment, because the doctors and nurses in the ER have to treat everyone who walks through the door. Or do they?

By Kate Kershner

Help! You just cut your hand while chopping vegetables. On the way to the hospital you cringe because you know that ER bill is going to be unbelievable. Why is that?

By Kate Kershner

You've got health insurance. Congratulations! But good luck finding a primary care doctor. There are a lot fewer of them these days, so you may end up using that shiny, new insurance card in an emergency room.

By Kate Kershner

We all know what to do in case of a medical emergency (get to the ER), but are you really qualified to recognize a true emergency when it happens?

By Kate Kershner

You have to go to the ER, but you don't have health insurance. You're not worried, though, because emergency rooms have to treat everyone who walks through the doors. But does that mean you get out of paying the costs you incur?

By Kate Kershner

It can be hard to tell whether an injury, illness or other troubling symptom warrants a trip to the ER. While you should always err on the side of caution and go if you're unsure, these tips will make your decision easier.

By Karen Kirkpatrick

Working in the ER isn't easy, and emergency medical professionals deserve a ton of credit for doing excellent work in less-than-stellar circumstances. But inevitably, sometimes things go wrong. And when they do, what legal options do you have?

By Karen Kirkpatrick

You cut yourself prepping dinner. It's after business hours. But should you really take that laceration to the emergency room? Maybe not.

By Maria Trimarchi

Accidents happen. Severe illness arrives unannounced. You have no other choice than to head to the emergency room for treatment. How can you make the process as smooth as possible?

By Maria Trimarchi

If you got injured after a tornado, wouldn't it be great if you could get treated on the spot, rather than going to an emergency room? You could if a mobile emergency unit was nearby. That's just one type of mobile health unit available.

By Alia Hoyt

Hospital emergency departments are ready to handle life-threatening illness and injury. But some patients may not have a clear picture of what qualifies as life-threatening.

By Maria Trimarchi

What do the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition and a '70s TV show have in common? They all helped shape the field of paramedicine. Learn more about how these first-responders save lives every day.

By Oisin Curran

Sudden cardiac death is a huge global killer. Even if you survive such an incident, your neurological outcome isn't so hot. A serious chill could change that.

By Nicholas Gerbis

You probably know that in an emergency room, patients aren't seen on a "first-come, first-served" basis. There's a system called triage to sort the order so the sickest get priority. Does that mean you'll wait forever if you're not dying?

By Alia Hoyt

Emergency nurses have been around since way before the first emergency room. They not only save lives, but also keep everything running as smoothly as possible. So what does it take to be an ER nurse, and how is the field changing?

By Oisin Curran

If your idea of adventure is balancing a snack tray and the remote control, it might be time to get off the couch. But do you know which sports could send you to the ER?

By Joseph Miller

Trips to the emergency room can be scary -- but some can be downright hilarious after the danger has passed. Here are five ER tales for the ages.

By Jennifer Sellers

Trips to the emergency room are all too common -- but so are the dangers that send you there. Most of the objects on this list are in your home right now. Find out what day-to-day dangers we all face.

By Maria Trimarchi

For decades, freak accidents have caused people to lose limbs because surgeons couldn't save them. So have medical procedures really changed that much?

By Tom Scheve

Having your stomach pumped could save your life if you overdose on medication or swallow a poison. But those aren't the only reasons doctors perform this procedure.

By Caitlin Uttley

Emergency rooms aren't first come, first serve. How fast you're seen depends on how severe your injury.

By Maria Trimarchi