Think you could never be denied access to emergency medical care for something as dire as a seizure or heart attack? Think again.

Emergency medicine's ERs have long served as the “safety net” of health care. But the country’s failing health care system has put that safety net under unbearable strain. Add to that the recession and mounting job losses that are increasing the number of American’s turning to ERs for care, and it is clear: the nation is facing an ER Crisis.

At the heart of the crisis is access to emergency care. That’s why the American College of Emergency Physicians has called on Congress to pass the Access to Emergency Medical Services Act – legislation designed to help emergency patients get the emergency medical care they need, when they need it. ACEP is also calling on Congress to ensure emergency medicine is part of health care reform – a key measure recently reported on TIME.com.

But Congress also needs to hear from those directly affected by the crisis. You, your family, friends, and neighbors all need to let our nation’s decision-makers know that action must be taken now to prevent the collapse of the already crumbling foundation of health care.

Don’t wait until you or a loved has a medical emergency – you might find it simply isn’t available.

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