When a loved one gets hurt or becomes sick, you want them to feel better as soon as possible. It’s crucial to know the differences between urgent medical care and emergency medical care. Some conditions can only be treated in the emergency room due to the technology and access to certain treatment options. AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl has many capabilities, however, our center can treat conditions that are considered “urgent.”

 

When to Call 911

You may not know when it is better to call 911 or to drive yourself to the emergency room, but there are a few things to be aware of. If you are having severe chest pain, are bleeding profusely, have impaired vision, or feel as though you may faint, it’s best to call 911. When in doubt, just call 911. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to getting the medical care you need.

Conditions such as heart attacks or strokes, always call 911. Paramedics are trained to give patients necessary, life-saving treatment when they’re on their way to the hospital.

 

When to Visit the Emergency Room

When considering going to the emergency room, it’s important to keep this in mind - if it feels like an emergency, it most likely is one. Hospitals are equipped with life-saving means, which can include emergency surgery.

If you show any of the following signs or symptoms, it’s best to be treated in the emergency room:

• Difficulty breathing
• Numbness on one side of your body
• Slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness, even for a moment
• Head or eye injuries
• Serious burns
• Concussions
• Seizures
• Severe flu symptoms
• Lacerations on the face
• Vaginal bleeding while pregnant

Always trust your gut instincts when it comes to emergency care.

 

When to Visit an Urgent Care

Urgent care centers like AFC Ken Caryl can help with a variety of urgent conditions. For many urgent conditions, patients don’t realize they have other options and spend hours waiting in the emergency room. AFC Ken Caryl can provide same-day diagnosis and can treat injuries right away.

Some common conditions treatable at AFC Ken Caryl include:

• Fever or other flu-like symptoms
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Shortness of breath
• Sprains or strains of muscles
• Minor to moderate cuts that may require stitches
• Sore throats
• Ear pain
• Painful urination

Urgent care centers can treat many different conditions, but they are not a substitute for a primary care physician or emergency care. If you visit our center and your condition is actually an emergency, our providers will call 911 for you. Similarly, if your condition requires a specialist, we will write a referral for you.