Treat At Home

* Use basic first-aid and OTC meds

 

• Minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises

• Sneezing/runny nose

• Cough (w/o distress - see below)

• Basic rashes w/o other symptoms

 

 

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Proceed To Urgent Care

* Non-emergencies only

* When at-home treatments and OTC meds are unsuccessful

 

• Deep wounds requiring stitches

• Suspected sprain or broken bone

• Persistent vomiting/diarrhea

• Severe ear pain

• Mild allergic reactions

• Skin infections

• Minor animal bites

 

 

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When To Go To ER

 

• Respiratory distress:

     Shortness of breath

     Color changes (blue, pale, grey)

     Nose flaring

     Retractions

     Wheezing

     Stridor

• Change in mental status:

     Unusually sleepy or difficult to wake

     Sudden disorientation or confusion

• Cuts that won't stop bleeding

• Stiff neck with accompanying fever

• Ingestion of poisonous substance or too much medication

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