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.

BMH Emergency Room

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. 

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