SERVIÇOS DE URGÊNCIA E EMERGÊNCIA: QUAIS OS MOTIVOS QUE LEVAM O USUÁRIO AOS PRONTO-ATENDIMENTOS?

Introduction: The overcrowding of emergency unit of Santa Maria - RS is one of the main problems of the local health system. Objective: To analyze the reasons for the demand of users for the services of an emergency care in the city of Santa Maria, RS. Methodology: Survey data, descriptive and analytic of transverse type method. The study was conducted in emergency unit Flavio Schneider from may to june 2013. Was applied a questionnaire to the service users that addresses personal data and about of the consultation. Results: The sample consisted of 180 patients (58 men and 122 women) aged 17-60 years old. About the reason for the consultation there was a higher prevalence of fever. Concerning the choice of this emergency unit was reported urgency and emergency situations and the nearest house location. Conclusion: The interviewees considered their clinical condition an urgency and emergency situation, although the reality of the case not be assessed a situation of serious health hazard.