Sandpoint Article
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VS IMMEDIATE CARE CLINIC
GUIDELINES TO MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION.
BY BONNER GENERAL HEALTH
Article Added: 08/16/2017
“SHOULD I GO TO the emergency room or to immediate care?” This is a question many people ask when they are injured, ill or have a family member who needs medical treatment. With summer upon us, people are more active, and we are experiencing some extreme heat. Both are factors that can lead to increased injuries.
It is important to choose the right level of care. The Emergency Department is the right choice if you or a family member is experiencing a life-threatening illness or injury. You will want to go to the Emergency Department to treat:
- Difficulty breathing
- Any symptoms of stroke: face drooping,slurred speech, arm weakness, suddenvision trouble or sudden troubleunderstanding simple statements
- A major burn
- Persistent chest pain that radiates to yourarm or jaw that may also include sweating,vomiting or shortness of breath
- Severe head injury• Coughing or vomiting blood
- Severe pain in your chest or upperabdominal pain or pressure
- Pregnancy complications if you are more than 20 weeks along, including contractions/labor with bleeding, leaking fluid or decreased fetal movement.
Children should be brought to the Emergency Department if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Head injury
- Significant bone or soft-tissue injuries
- High, persistent fever (38.5°C or 100.4°F)
- Persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Significant lack of fluid intake (especially in a younger child)
- Significant changes in the child’s activity level.
Call 911 if moving the injured or ill person will worsen their condition, if medical attention is needed sooner than the time it takes to get to the Emergency Department or if you are not able to safely transport the person to the Emergency Department. If possible, bring a list of medications and/or allergies for the patient. This can help the medical staff at the Emergency Department provide the best possible care.
Immediate Care clinics can treat non-emergency conditions that require same-day medical attention. Go to an Immediate or Urgent Care Clinic to treat:
- Broken bones, when the bone is notprotruding from the skin
- Cuts or lacerations requiring stitches
- Minor traumas, such as a sprain
- Fever without rash
- Ear pain• Sore throat
- Urinary tract infection
- Influenza
- Sinus infections
Bonner General Health’s Immediate Care Clinic provides the following on-site services:
- Blood draws
- EKG• Flu shots
- Laboratory services
- IV hydration and antibiotic therapy
- Occupational health services such as drugscreens/BAT
- Sports physicals• Strep and flu screening
- Suture removal
- X-rays
The Emergency Department at Bonner General Health is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is located at 520 N. Third Avenue in Sandpoint. Call 208.263.1441 for more information. Bonner General Health Immediate Care, located at 400 Schweitzer Plaza Drive, Suite 1 in Ponderay, is open seven days a week for urgent- and minor-care needs. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 7pm. No appointment is necessary. Call us at 208.263.0649 if you have questions or would like more information.
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