When to go to the Emergency Department
Emergency Department
If you have a serious condition, such as a suspected stroke, heart attack, severe bleeding, head injury, or other major trauma, go directly to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1 — don’t take any chances with a potentially life-threatening condition.
Choosing the Right Medical Care When You Are Ill or Injured.
Our goal is to provide the best possible care and treatment for you and your family. Since you are the most important member of your healthcare team, we would like to provide some key information that will help you make the best choice when seeking medical treatment for injuries or illnesses.
Download our flyer, "Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care" in English and Spanish.
Symptoms |
Emergency Room |
Urgent Care |
---|---|---|
Back pain | ||
Chest pain | ||
Coughing or vomiting blood | ||
Deep cuts or bleeding that won’t stop | ||
Difficulty breathing | ||
Earaches and infections | ||
Fever | ||
Knife or gunshot wounds | ||
Large bone fractures | ||
Loss of consciousness | ||
Mild asthma | ||
Minor cuts | ||
Minor fractures (fingers, toes) | ||
Moderate to severe asthma | ||
Problems related to pregnancy | ||
Rashes and bumps | ||
Seizures | ||
Severe abdominal pain | ||
Severe burns | ||
Sore throats | ||
Strains and sprains | ||
Suspected stroke or heart attack | ||
Urinary tract infections | ||
Vomiting and diarrhea |