Wow... isn't this tragic. It happened in Waukegan Il, 30 minutes from where I live.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/09/15/er.homicide.ap/index.html?section=cnn_topstories

Sometimes I think it makes more sense (in some cases) to just call an ambulance when you don't feel well. But people think that seems so "over the top" that they would rather not. Well, sitting for hours in the ER is not really a viable solution when you are sick, or in pain or just not sure what the heck is wrong with you.

But is it better to practice as much preventative measures as possible so you don't have to waste your time in the ER for some emergency health problem.

Women though will most times not get taken seriously for having heart problems when they go to the ER.

Women though will most times not get taken seriously for having heart problems when they go to the ER.

A few years ago two people about the same age went to the ER with chest pain. Neither had abnormal tests in the ER. One was admitted to the hospital, given a cardiac cath and was told the heart was healthy. The other was told the chest pain was panic attack and sent home with an antidepressant. So far, neither of these people have known heart disease but can you guess which was the man and which was the woman in the above story

But even men can have trouble being taken seriously when having chest pain. I have a friend who was sent home from the ER 3 times with antacids for reflux. He did not fit the profile of someone having a heart attack - he was in his 30's and very fit. He finally got the stent he needed and his "reflux" went away

It is sad that people have to sit in the ER for hours before getting care. Here are some of the reasons waits are so long. This was from 2001 so waits are probably even longer now. http://www.acep.org/webportal/Patien...rtmentWait.htm
Anne