Not sure whether to go to an emergency room or an urgent care? Making the right choice could save your life.
Emergency Room
Always head to the ER when your life or limb are at risk. The staff there is ready for any critical situation, 24/7.
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Weakness/numbness on one side
• Slurred speech
• Fainting/change in mental state
• Serious burns
• Head or eye injury
• Concussion/confusion
• Fever with a rash
• Seizures
• Broken bones
• Severe cold or flu symptoms
• Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy
Urgent Cares
Urgent care centers are for when you can’t wait for an appointment with your doctor, but you don’t quite need an emergency room.
• Fever without a rash
• Vomiting or persistent diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Dehydration
• Moderate flu-like symptoms
• Sprains and strains
• Small cuts that may require stitches
• Sports, camp and school physicals
• Mild flu-like symptoms
• Cough and congestion symptoms
• Sore throat
• Ear pain
• Eye redness, discharge or itchiness
• Painful urination
• Rashes without fever
When should you call 9-1-1?
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Any symptoms of a heart attack, including chest pain, pain in the left arm or the jaw, sudden weakness or dizziness
• Signs of a stroke such as slurred speech, severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the face or body, or loss of consciousness
• Life-or limb-threatening injury
