The word “minor” can be a bit of a misnomer because a minor emergency is still an urgent medical situation that needs to be addressed immediately. These emergencies are simply referred to as “minor” because they can be treated outside of a hospital emergency room. Minor emergencies include:

• Injuries, including sprains, strains, or mild fractures,
• Mild lacerations or cuts
• Headaches
• Minor infections
• Prolonged cold and flu symptoms
• GI upset, including nausea and vomiting
• Mild asthma attacks
• Rashes and skin lesions

There are many types of injuries and illnesses that are considered medical emergencies. The most common include:

• Head/spine injury
• Burns or smoke inhalation
• A near-drowning experience
• Ingesting a poisonous substance
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Choking
• Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
• Severe abdominal pain
• Broken bones
• Fainting, dizziness, or weakness
• Changes in vision
• Confusion or changes in mental status
• Sudden or severe pain
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Suicidal feelings
• Difficulty speaking

While it can be difficult to tell the difference between an urgent situation and an emergency, it is important to take immediate action when someone is exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms.

Urgent care provides treatment for injuries and illnesses that are not considered emergencies but still require prompt medical attention, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Examples include:

• Minor injuries and cuts
• Sore throats and earaches
• Frequent or severe coughs.
• Frequent urination or burning sensation when urinating

Emergency care is the care provided for medical or psychiatric conditions requiring immediate medical attention to prevent serious jeopardy to one’s health, such as limb loss. Examples include:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe stomach pain that comes on suddenly
• The decline in or loss of consciousness
• Severe shortness of breath
• Severe headache that comes on suddenly
• Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it occurs on only one side of the body

The very definition of a medical emergency is a condition that poses a life-threatening risk if not treated immediately, such as a heart attack or stroke. While there are other types of medical emergencies, the most prevalent is a life-threatening condition, when one’s life is in jeopardy if they do not receive prompt medical treatment. While life-threatening emergencies are rare, they can happen quickly and without warning. Because they are rare, they can be difficult to identify. The best times to seek medical help for a life-threatening emergency are during the initial stages, when an emergency is first noticed, and when it is most likely that there will be an immediate response by the emergency responders. A medical emergency may also involve a mental health problem, such as a debilitating panic attack. In these cases, prompt treatment of the emergency is critical to avoiding long-term health problems and reducing the risk of death or disability.

If you are ever in need of immediate care for a minor emergency, come to Niagara Falls Urgent Care. There is no need to contact us to book an appointment; simply walk into our clinic, conveniently located at 3117 Military Road, Suite 2, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. We serve patients from Niagara Falls NY, Lewiston NY, Sanborn NY, Walmore NY, Tonawanda NY, Sanborn NY, Model City NY, Youngstown NY, Ransomville NY, and Grand Island NY. We look forward to serving you!