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 or broken bones
- 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
- Cough/colds
- Flu symptoms
- Sore throats
- Earaches/ear infections
- Allergies
- Rashes
- Urinary tract infections
- Minor eye irritations/injuries
- Sports injuries
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.