Half of patients who go to the emergency room do not have an urgent issue.
Choosing the right care option helps reduce emergency room wait times — and gets you the care you need faster. Emergency rooms are designed for serious, time-sensitive conditions. If your symptoms are mild or moderate, other options may be better suited to your needs.
Emergency rooms are for treating serious medical conditions that require immediate attention. If your symptoms are mild or moderate, there are other, more suitable options that often provide faster access to care.
Medical Emergencies
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you or a loved one has any of these warning signs.
Cold, clammy and discoloured skin
- Paleness
- Bluish lips or tongue
Signs of a heart problem
You have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Chest tightness or pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Pain that spreads (arm, neck, back, jaw, stomach)
- Extreme fatigue
- Cold sweats
- Shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea
Trouble breathing
Feeling of suffocation or rapid breathing.
Signs of a stroke
Drooping face, weakness in one arm, difficulty speaking.
Suicidal thoughts
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are going through a difficult situation, call Info-Social at 811, Option 2, to get the help you need. If you believe your life or the life of a loved one is in danger, call 911.
How Does the Emergency Room Work?
Wait times depend on the severity of the cases at hand: the most urgent cases are given priority.
Symptoms That Are Generally Not Urgent
An issue that is not considered urgent for most people may be urgent in your case depending on:
- your medical history
- your current state of health
- the medications you are taking
When in doubt, call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1. A nurse will be able to assess you, give you advice and, if necessary, refer you to the appropriate resource.
Superficial burns
Mild earaches
Minor cuts
Insect stings or bites with no serious allergic reaction
Non-Urgent Health Issues
Other resources can help you assess your state of health.
Info-Santé 811, Option 1
Free and confidential telephone consultation service