Volume 70 Number 2 March 2003	back to contents

Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY.

Address all correspondence to Barbara K. Richardson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Box 1620, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One East 100th Street, New York, NY 10029.

Material in this article was presented at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine Geriatric Medicine Update and Board Review Course, New York, NY, on October 8, 2001.

This manuscript has been updated as of August 5, 2002.

ABSTRACT

The elderly, aged 65 or older, are more susceptible to illness or injury due to environmental factors, physiologic deterioration and co-morbid disease. Prompt referral of patients with acute decompensation to the Emergency Department promotes resuscitation, rapid evaluation and interventions where appropriate, to improve outcomes. Common life- or limb-threatening situations are reviewed as well as co-morbidities and social issues that may complicate decision making.

KEYWORDS

Geriatric, emergency, emergency department, elder, aged, review.

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