WHAT IS URGENT CARE? WHEN SHOULD I USE IT?
Individuals who have an illness or injury that is not life-threatening, but can’t wait until the next day, should be treated at an Urgent Care Centre. Urgent Care provides easy to access medical care for the times that your primary physician is not immediately available or their office is closed. Ridgeway Clinic’s Urgent Care medical team is committed to providing personalized attention to our patients, ensuring that their urgent health needs receive the best care possible.
What is considered an emergency?
- Compound fracture, which involves a bone protruding through the skin
- Convulsions, seizures, or loss of consciousness
- Deep knife wounds or gunshot wounds
- Fever in a newborn less than 3 months old
- Heavy, uncontrollable bleeding
- Moderate to severe burns
- Poisoning
- Pregnancy-related problems
- Serious head, neck, or back injury
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain that lasts longer than two minutes
- Stroke symptoms, such as vision loss, sudden numbness, weakness, slurred speech, or confusion
- Suicidal or homicidal feelings
If your condition is life-threatening CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED AN URGENT MEDICAL CONDITION?
Urgent medical conditions are ones that are not considered emergencies but still require care within 24 hours. Some examples include:
- Accidents and falls
- Cuts that don’t involve much blood but might need stitches
- Breathing difficulties, such as mild to moderate asthma
- Diagnostic services, including X-rays and laboratory tests
- Eye or ear irritation
- Some prescription renewals
- Fever or flu
- Minor broken bones and fractures in fingers or toes
- Moderate back problems
- Severe sore throat or cough
- Skin rashes and infections
- Sprains and strains
- Urinary tract infections
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration
- Forms, referrals
- Mental health referrals