I have two issues, related to the holidays and emergency medical care.

Number one: if you have a relative who always seems to need a trip to the ER on major holidays, consider that there may be an underlying psychiactric problem, ranging from minor (narcissim) to serious (major depression). Any good ER is going to do a very thorough evaluation first, but if this is their 5th trip on a major holiday, we’re probably going to bring it up.

Number two: Loved One (LO) in the nursing home looks a lot worse this holiday as compared with the last one. We know. You should also be aware that the best indicator of how they usually are is the staff themselves. Sending LO to the ER should be done only after a chat both with LO’s doctor and regular nurses. Azygous has a nice post on this (but I cannot find it, his blog isn’t yet searchable).

Anyway, enjoy your Thanksgiving. All of us in the ER will be waiting for you!