When to go to the ER

When to Call 911

If you think you or someone you know is having a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately. Do not drive to the hospital. By calling 911 at the first sign of symptoms, you buy yourself time. Plus, you give emergency medical personnel the opportunity to start care on-site and enroute to the hospital. Always call 911 if: 

• • • The person’s condition seems life threatening or could get worse on the way to the hospital
    • Moving the person might cause further injury
    • You can’t get to the emergency department quickly

When to go to the ER

Sometimes it is difficult to know whether an injury or illness requires a trip to the Emergency Room. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), individuals with the following conditions should seek emergency care:

• • • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    • Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
    • Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
    • Changes in vision
    • Confusion or changes in mental status
    • Any sudden or severe pain
    • Uncontrolled bleeding
    • Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
    • Coughing or vomiting blood
    • Suicidal feelings
    • Difficulty speaking
    • Unusual abdominal pain
    • Heart attack or stroke symptoms
    • Pregnancy issues
    • Infant illness
    • Major injuries or trauma

Parents and caregivers should always seek immediate medical attention if a child is having a medical emergency. To receive the best care possible as quickly as possible, patients should:

• • • Bring a list of medications and / or allergies; know how often and how long medications have been taken.
    • Know child's immunization history.
    • Remain calm to make it easier to communicate with the emergency team.

When to go to Paris Regional Emergency Center

For minor illnesses or injuries, our community has several primary care offices available. However, when you are experiencing a minor after-hours illness or injury, a freestanding emergency department like Paris Regional Emergency Center can be your best choice. Whether it’s a sore throat that won’t go away, a rising fever, a household cut, or a sprained ankle, we are here to care for you! Paris Regional Emergency Center is backed by the same healthcare providers and technologies available at Paris Regional Health. In the event that you may require a higher level of care available at Paris Regional Health our team will coordinate a smooth care transition to the hospital.

Freestanding emergency departments treat many injuries or illnesses that require immediate care. They are NOT intended for:

• • • Heart attack or stroke symptoms
    • Pregnancy issues
    • Infant illness
    • Major injuries or trauma

Visit the hospital emergency room for these conditions.

Know Where to Go

Primary Care is a patient's main source of regular medical care including health maintenance, counseling, health education, disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness. Primary care is offered by physicians, pediatricians and nurses. If you need a primary care provider, call our physician referral line at 903.737.3232.