ER or Urgent Care?
Which one should you go to?
When faced with a medical problem that requires immediate care, it’s often hard to determine if it’s an emergency or an urgent medical issue. Use these tips to get you pointed in the right direction.
WHEN TO VISIT THE ER
In general, an emergency condition is one that can permanently impair or endanger the life of an individual. Some conditions that require a trip to the emergency room (open 24 hours in Blackfoot!) may include:
- Compound fractures (broken bone through the skin)
- Deep knife or gunshot wounds
- Eye injury
- High fever
- Poisoning
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
- Serious head, neck or back injury
- Severe abdominal pains
- Severe burns
- Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Signs of stroke or heart attack
Dial 911 immediately for any medical problem that appears to be life-threatening.
98 Poplar Str.
Blackfoot, ID 83221
(208) 785-4100
Open 24 hours a day
WHEN TO VISIT URGENT CARE
Conditions that are not considered emergencies but still require care within 24 hours may be considered urgent medical conditions. Some examples include:
- Allergic reactions
- Breaks and minor broken bones & fractures
- Ear infections
- Eye irritation & redness
- Fever or flu symptoms
- Injuries from accidents & falls
- Mild fevers
- Respiratory illnesses
- Sinus infections
- Skin rashes & infections
- Sore throat or cough
- Sprains & strains
- Stitches
- Urinary tract infections
- Vomiting or diarrhea
1stChoice Urgent Care & Family Medicine provides convenient access to quality healthcare services.
Riverside Plaza
1350 Parkway Dr.
Blackfoot, ID 83221
(208) 782-2410
Hours
Mon. to Thurs.: 8 am to 8 pm
Fri: 8 am to 6 pm
Sat. & Sun.: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Call to find out extended hours during week of solar eclipse.
Click here to download an easy to follow guide.
Return to Articles
