Emergency care means immediate evaluation and care of an acute illness, injury, or a complication of chronic illness, generally conducted in under 24 hours. This is a situation where the provision of care cannot safely wait until the next day.
Some situations where emergency care is necessary include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Heavy bleeding
- Fracture
- Intense headache not eased by analgesic medication
Mild symptoms of the common cold, old injuries, fatigue, or long-term symptoms or pain do not generally require emergency care. The examination and treatment of such issues is better conducted in day-time, non-urgent health care services when it is needed.