When You Need Care Fast

When symptoms come on suddenly or when you can’t get an appointment with a primary care provider, it can feel like a serious situation. Add the stress and disruption of a sudden illness or injury, and you may find yourself wondering whether your condition warrants a trip to the Emergency Room or ExpressCare. While it can be confusing, there are clear differences between these two settings. Knowing how to use these healthcare resources and others will save you time and money.

When to call 9-1-1
There are several medical conditions where seconds count, including heart attack and stroke. If you are experiencing symptoms of either a heart attack or stroke, don’t wait. Call 9-1-1. Responders are trained to begin treatment as soon as they arrive and while in transit. They also prepare the hospital for your arrival, so hospital staff can begin evaluating and treating you immediately. Emergency responders are also the best option when the sick person cannot get themselves to the hospital, due to severe pain, changes in vision, numbness, or other symptoms. 

When to call 9-8-8
A new hotline helps people experiencing a mental health crisis. It is completely free, confidential, and available 24/7/365. A crisis counselor on the other end of the line will listen and recommend resources for you to get specialized help.

Emergency Care
SVMC’s Emergency Department is here around the clock when you need it. Chest pain or pressure, stroke symptoms, confusion, stomach pain or vomiting, difficulty breathing, dehydration, dizziness or fainting, serious injuries, internal bleeding, mental health concerns, seizures, severe allergic reactions, vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain when pregnant, and suspected overdose or poisoning are some of the many reasons to pursue care at the Emergency Department. That’s because these conditions often require equipment or services only available at hospitals. Multiple smaller injuries, like those sustained during a car accident, may also require emergency care.

ExpressCare/The Respiratory Evaluation Center
ExpressCare is great if you cannot get an appointment with a primary care provider or if you’re from out of town and need medical care that requires an in-person exam. The ExpressCare team can diagnose and treat rashes and skin infections, earaches, minor injuries (broken bones, strains, and sprains), back pain, urinary tract infections, insect bites, eye irritation, sexually transmitted infections, minor cuts requiring stitches, diarrhea, and mild asthma attacks. If the care you need is beyond what they can provide, they will get you to the Emergency Department.

The practice also sees patients with minor respiratory symptoms. If you have a cough, sore throat, low-grade fever (without confusion or seizures), or are experiencing difficulty breathing, the team at ExpressCare is ready for you with protective equipment and testing. The clinicians provide clear direction on how to proceed with other respiratory care.

SVMC’s ExpressCare in Bennington is open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. No appointment is necessary.

If you have the time, consider taking a first-aid course in person or online. Getting an overview of the various conditions and indications of their severity can help you treat a few common conditions at home and give you confidence in making decisions about where to go for care, if you need it. If you are trying to decide in the moment, do a quick mental review of the information here and trust your instincts. We will be happy to help you regardless of where you come for care.

Dr. Adam Cohen is the chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Southwestern Vermont Health Care in Bennington.