A twisted ankle, a bad cut or a bump on the head can quickly turn a fun summer day into an unexpected trip to the doctor’s office. Knowing where to go can help you get the right treatment faster while avoiding an unnecessary visit to the emergency department.
“Not every injury needs the same level of care,” said David Federoff, PA-C, at Samaritan Family Medicine – Brownsville. “Some can be managed at home, some are best handled at a same-day walk-in clinic and others require emergency treatment.”
Choosing where to go
For example, minor sunburns and small burns with little or no blistering can usually be treated at home. Cool compresses, over-the-counter pain relievers and time are often enough for healing. Minor sprains and strains often improve with rest, ice, compression and elevation. If symptoms are not improving after a few days, it is time to see a primary care provider or walk-in clinic.
Walk-in clinics are a convenient option for same-day care when symptoms need attention but are not life-threatening. This includes larger burns with blisters, cuts that may need stitches, minor falls, sports injuries and sprains or strains.
Some situations call for emergency care. Third-degree burns, major falls, obvious broken bones or deformities and injuries that result in tingling, numbness or weakness should be seen in the emergency department. Head injuries deserve special attention as well.
“Always seek emergency care if there’s loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, increasing sleepiness or memory loss after a head injury,” said Federoff. “Children younger than two, adults older than 75 and people taking blood-thinning medication should always be evaluated in the emergency department after any head injury.”
This content is sourced from
Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
