It’s 3:00 am, and your child won’t stop crying. They’re sick, they can’t tell you what’s wrong, and you’re faced with a difficult question: Is this an emergency?
Many of us have been in a similar situation before, whether it was a child, aging parent, friend, or even yourself. CCMH provides care through a medical clinic and an emergency room, so what is the best option?
When deciding if you should visit the ER or wait to go to the Medical Clinic, consider the severity of the issue or pain. Do you or the person you are caring for have an immediate need for help or a pain too strong to manage? If so, the best option would be to head to the emergency room.
The Emergency Room
The emergency room is designed to handle life-threatening conditions and severe injuries requiring immediate medical attention.
Examples of symptoms you may have for trips to the emergency room:
- Chest pain, especially if it radiates to your arm or jaw, as this may indicate a heart attack.
- Trouble breathing or severe shortness of breath
- Significant head injury
- Sudden confusion, slurred speech, or numbness or weakness on one side of the body; this may indicate a possible stroke
- Seizures
- Uncontrolled bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure
- Serious burn or cut
- Broken bone
If you feel like your life is at risk, call 911. Never drive yourself if you have a serious head injury or are showing signs of a stroke or heart attack.
The Medical Clinic
For non-life-threatening issues, your primary care provider at the medical clinic is your best resource. They know your medical history and can provide follow-up care that the ER cannot.
The clinic offers support and help during regular day hours. Here are a few examples of when to call to set up an appointment with your provider:
- Persistent cough, cold, or the flu
- Ear infections
- Fevers
- Skin rashes, hives, or other unexplained skin conditions
- Problems with digestion, including constipation, nausea, or diarrhea
- Questions about your medications
- Generally feeling “unwell” or “off”
- Painful urination
- Sprain or strain
- Minor cut that may need stitches
Hours of Operation
The ER is always open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
For non-emergencies, the CCMH Medical Clinic offers the following hours:
Monday–Thursday 7 am–7 pm
Friday 8 am–5 pm
Saturday 8 am–12 pm
Both the emergency room and medical clinic staff are ready to assist you. It is important to consider the severity of the symptoms. When in doubt, or if the situation feels like an immediate threat, always seek emergency help.
Not sure where to go? Call 712-265-2500 and speak with a staff member who can help direct you to the right level of care.
