ER Visit Checklist: How to Prepare for the Emergency Room
Going to the emergency room can be stressful and overwhelming. Being prepared helps ensure you get the care you need and can advocate for yourself effectively. Use this checklist to prepare for your next ER visit.
What's Happening
Emergency rooms prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition (triage). This means you may wait even if you feel your situation is urgent. Being prepared and clearly communicating your symptoms helps ensure you receive appropriate care.
What to Bring to the ER:
- Photo ID and insurance card (if you have one)
- List of current medications (names, doses, frequency)
- List of known allergies (medications, foods, latex)
- List of your medical conditions and past surgeries
- Names and phone numbers of your doctors
- Recent test results or imaging (if relevant)
- Phone charger
- Snacks and water (for long waits)
- A trusted person to advocate for you
Tell Triage Immediately If You Have
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Signs of stroke: facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty
- Severe bleeding that won't stop
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling, trouble breathing)
- Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself/others
- High fever with stiff neck, confusion, or rash
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pregnancy with bleeding, severe pain, or reduced fetal movement
What To Do Next – Step by Step
Call 911 for Life-Threatening Emergencies
If you're having chest pain, can't breathe, are having a stroke, or have severe bleeding, call 911. Paramedics can start treatment immediately and alert the ER.
Check In at Triage and Be Clear About Symptoms
At check-in, clearly describe your main symptom, when it started, and how severe it is. Use a 1-10 scale for pain. Mention if symptoms are getting worse.
Provide Your Medical History
Share your medication list, allergies, and medical conditions. Mention if you're pregnant or could be pregnant. This helps avoid dangerous drug interactions.
Ask Questions and Take Notes
Write down what the doctors tell you. Ask: 'What do you think is wrong?' 'What tests are you ordering?' 'What are the next steps?' 'What should I watch for at home?'
Advocate If You Feel Dismissed
If you're not being taken seriously, say: 'I'm concerned about [specific symptom]. It's not normal for me. I need this evaluated.' Ask for a patient advocate if needed.
Don't Leave Without Understanding Your Discharge Plan
Before leaving, make sure you understand: your diagnosis, medications prescribed, follow-up care needed, and warning signs to return. Ask for written instructions.
What To Say – Scripts You Can Use
At triage check-in:
"My main concern is [symptom]. It started [when] and has been getting [better/worse/same]. On a scale of 1-10, my pain/discomfort is [number]. I'm here because [brief reason why this feels like an emergency]."
When providing medical history:
"I take these medications [list]. I'm allergic to [list]. My medical conditions include [list]. I've had surgeries for [list]. My regular doctor is [name]."
If you're waiting a long time and symptoms worsen:
"Excuse me, I checked in at [time] for [symptom]. Since then, my symptoms have gotten worse. I'm now experiencing [new/worsening symptoms]. Can I please be reassessed?"
Before being discharged:
"Before I leave, I want to make sure I understand: What is my diagnosis? What medications should I take? When should I follow up? What warning signs should bring me back to the ER?"
Frequently Asked Questions
Document and Report Incidents in Real Time
HEARD helps you document symptoms, track concerns, and communicate with your healthcare team — so you're never dismissed again.
Related Resources
How to Advocate for Yourself in the Hospital
Comprehensive guide to hospital self-advocacy.
How to Document Your Symptoms
Track symptoms effectively for better healthcare communication.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Essential questions for any medical visit.
Unsafe Discharge Concerns
What to do if you don't feel safe being sent home.