When to go to the ER vs. Urgent Care
By: Robyn Darnell, FHW PR and Communications Coordinator
When an accident, injury or illness prevents you from doing the things you love, it’s important to get the right care quickly. However, it’s not always easy to tell when a medical situation can be addressed by an Urgent Care or when an ER visit may be required for more appropriate care.
In this guide, we’ll give you a quick overview of when you or a loved one should seek care at an Urgent Care and when to go to the Emergency Room. No matter the situation, FHW is committed to providing the best care possible and ensuring every patient ends up right where they need to be.
Part 1: Injuries
Toe/Finger injury – These types of injury can be handled with an Urgent Care visit.
Broken Bones- Basic broken bones can be treated at an Urgent Care. We will be able to provide an x-ray and further treatment as necessary. Broken bones that are exposed should be treated at the Emergency Room.
Sprained Ankle – Sprained ankles can be treated at an Urgent Care.
Head Injury – Head injuries should be treated at the Emergency Room to ensure that there is not extensive brain damage or any other more serious concerns.
Cuts – Most cuts can be treated at the Urgent Care. In the case of major cuts or extensive blood loss the Emergency Room is more appropriate.
Burns – Minor burns can be treated at the Urgent Care, larger or more intense burns should be treated at the Emergency Room.
Part 2: Accidents
Sports Injury – Patients experiencing a sports injury should start off by visiting Urgent Care.
Animal Bites – Most animal bites can be treated at an Urgent Care. Bites caused by large or potentially diseased animals should be treated at the Emergency Room.
Car Accidents – Patients injured in a car accident should be taken to the Emergency Room.
Kitchen accidents – Most kitchen accidents can be treated by Urgent Care.
Slips/trips/falls – Slips, trips and falls can be addressed in the Urgent Care.
Fainting – If someone experiences fainting they should go to the Emergency room.
Part 3: Other concerns
Chest Pain – Chest pain is almost always an ER problem.
Stroke or weakness – If you suspect you are having a stroke, you should go to the ER as soon as possible.
Burning Urine – Burning Urine or other symptoms related to a urinary tract infection can be treated at the Urgent Care.
Trouble breathing – If you are experiencing trouble breathing, you should go to the Emergency Room as soon as possible.
