When you need immediate care, you don't always have time to pack a hospital bag. That's why it's important to prep for an emergency department (ED) visit before an emergency strikes.

Which are among the most common reasons people seek emergency care?

Reasons to call 911 include shortness of breath, chest pain, uncontrollable bleeding or fractures where the broken bone has punctured the skin.

What day of the week is busiest in the ED?

EDs see the most traffic on Mondays, due in part to patients thinking they could "sleep off" weekend ailments or injuries. The hours between 12-10 p.m. are also busy, while 4-9 a.m. is usually quiet.

Before leaving for the ED, you should bring how many pieces of health information?

Before heading for the ED, make sure you have:

• A copy of your photo ID and insurance card

• A list of current medications, drug allergies, chronic medical conditions and any recent medical procedures you've had

• Contact information for your relatives and doctor

• A copy of your living will or healthcare proxy (if applicable)

Tip: Store your insurance card in your wallet and take photos of your medicine bottle labels with your smartphone to help ensure easy access to this information.

Did you know you can schedule your ED visit online?

Online Check-in is available for injuries and illnesses that are not life threatening or debilitating. Just visit the NorthwestHealth.com website and click on "Online Scheduling." Select "emergency" care, and a location. Choose a treatment time, and complete a brief online form. When you arrive at the ED or urgent care center, staff will be expecting you, and strive to see you within 15 minutes of your projected treatment time. If there is a spike in patient traffic, staff will notify you via email or automated phone call with a new projected treatment time. Those using Online Check-in aren't seen ahead of patients already in the waiting room; rather, their names are added to the treatment list based on the time they checked-in online. Unless an individual's illness or injury requires expedited care, patients are treated in the order they registered.

Emergency department etiquette

Worrying about the do's and don'ts when you're sitting in an emergency department may not seem like a priority, but following a few points can make for a smoother visit.

• Care for your neighbors. Silence your cellphone and if possible, step outside to take a call. Remember to cover your cough, and use a tissue when you sneeze.

• Honesty is the best policy. Exaggerating your symptoms, even a little, can complicate the diagnostic process and lead to an unnecessarily longer visit. If your symptoms worsen after check-in, notify the nurse or front desk staff immediately.

• Understand the system. Patients are treated based on the severity of their symptoms or suspected condition and not by order of arrival.

The emergency room at Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is here for you and your family 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more about our services, visit NorthwestHealth.com today.