Walk-In or ER?
People often wonder when they should go to Humboldt General Hospital's
Emergency Department versus The Walk-In Clinic.
To qualify as an emergency, the medical condition must be a recent onset,
have severe symptoms including, but not limited to, severe pain and the
belief that if you fail to obtain immediate medical care, it could result
in serious injury, impairment or death.
A medical problem more suited to The Walk-In Clinic is one in which your
life is not threatened, but you do require medical attention. While these
situations are not as serious as emergency situations, they are just as
important. Visiting Humboldt General Hospital's Walk-In Clinic is
usually a convenient and cost-effective way to treat unexpected problems.
Symptoms Indicating an Emergency:
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Head injury
- Poisoning or suspected overdose
- Heart attack symptoms
- Shock
- Spinal injuries
- Inability to breathe or shortness of breath
- Seizure or loss of consciousness
- Persistent chest or abdominal pain or pressure
- Numbness or paralysis of an arm or leg
- Sudden slurred speech, visual changes or weakness
- Major burns
- Intense pain
- Severe reaction to an insect bite, medication or food
Symptoms That Could Be Treated at The Walk-In Clinic:
- Controlled bleeding
- Moderate fever
- Colds, cough or flu
- Bruises, abrasions, mild fractures and minor cuts
- Minor burns
- Eye, ear and skin infections
- Sprains or strains
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory infections
Note: Elderly people or people with chronic medical conditions such as
diabetes, heart disease or asthma should speak with their primary care
physician for advice about symptoms that may require emergency, walk-in
or routine care.