When You Should Go to the ER
Not every illness or injury requires a trip to the ER. For minor illness or injury, St. Luke's is affiliated with three urgent care clinics in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area.
However, certain conditions require a visit to the ER. Don't hesitate to come to the ER if you or a loved one experiences any of the following:
- Symptoms of a heart attack, including severe chest pain, sweating and shortness of breath.
- Profuse bleeding or blood loss that continues even after direct pressure has been placed on the wound.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Sudden dizziness, weakness, loss of coordination, balance or vision problems.
- High fever and vomiting that continues nonstop for several hours.
- Signs of meningitis: severe headaches, neck/joint pain and stiffness, vomiting, high temperature, sensitivity to light (adults); high-pitched whimpering/crying, lethargy, fussiness, restlessness, high fever, vomiting, cold extremities, refusing food, pale or blotchy skin (babies, small children).
- Seizures lasting longer than five minutes.
- Injuries occurring from an accident or fall - intense back or neck pain, obvious compound fractures and/or dislocations of bones, deep cuts and severe burns.
Helpful resources:
- St. Luke’s Emergency Department: 319/369-7105.
- My Nurse (24-hour health information): 877/242-8899.
- Poison Control - 800/222-1222.
Research symptoms, explore the causes and find treatment options with St. Luke's iTriage.
