MultiCare Health System

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• Emergency and Urgent Care
  • Emergency Department Locations
  • Urgent Care Locations
  • Emergency Department vs Urgent Care
  • What to Expect in the Emergency Department
  • Tacoma General and Mary Bridge Emergency Department Expansion
   
 

Emergency Department vs Urgent Care

Should I go to the Emergency Department or the Urgent Care Center?

When to Seek Urgent Care

If someone becomes ill or is injured and their condition does not pose and immediate, serious threat to their health or life, urgent care is the right choice

Urgent care clinics are ideal for treating conditions such as:

• Allergies
• Cold or flu symptoms
• Cough or bronchitis
• Earache
• Minor burns or bruises
• Rash, poison ivy, allergic reaction
• Fevers
• Scrapes or minor cuts
• Sore throat
• Sprain
• Minor fracture
• Foreign object in eye or nose

Click here for a list of MultiCare Urgent Care Centers.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you think someone could suffer significant harm or die without prompt attention, seek emergency care--or call 911--immediately.

Emergency care is ideal for treating conditions such as:

• Severe bleeding
• Chest pain, upper abdominal pain or pressure
• Coughing or vomiting
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• Major burns
• Poisoning
• Sudden dizziness or fainting
• Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking
• Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body
  

Click here for a list of Emergency Departments.

Should I Drive to the Emergency Department or Call 911?

You should call 911 to get an ambulance if:

• The injured person needs to be moved by medical personnel to prevent further injury
• The condition is life-threatening
• The distance or traffic would cause a significant delay in getting to the hospital