01/13/2026
It’s important to know the difference between urgent care and the emergency room to ensure you get the right care—and help keep ERs available for true emergencies.
Remember: The ER is for life-threatening emergencies. For less serious issues, we can provide fast, effective treatment—helping keep emergency rooms available for those who truly need them.
Think before you head to an emergency department. For minor health issues, there are better, faster options:
- Telehealth – Connect with a provider from home (by phone or video call) for quick advice, prescriptions and peace of mind.
- Urgent Care – Walk in for hands-on treatment when you need stitches, X-rays or lab tests.
This helps to keep ambulances and emergency departments free for life-threatening illnesses and injuries. And it can save you time and money, while reducing your exposure to crowded waiting rooms – and other opportunities to catch an illness.
Choose telehealth for colds, sore throats, medication refills.
Choose urgent care for minor injuries and non-life-threatening illness, especially when your doctor is not available.
📞 Call 9-1-1 or go directly to a hospital for chest pain, severe bleeding or severe burns, trouble breathing, poisoning, stroke symptoms, head injuries.
https://www3.erie.gov/health/press/amid-high-patient-volumes-erie-county-urges-residents-use-emergency-departments-and-ambulance
