when to go to the ER

Emergencies are an unfortunate fact of life. Accidents happen, and it’s important to understand the differences between when to go to the ER, and when you don’t need emergency care.

Western Missouri Medical Center is capable of serving the needs of our patients in Warrensburg and western Missouri. Read on to learn more about when to go to the ER, and when to go to Warrensburg Express Care. 

When to go to the ER

There are many reasons you might need emergency care. Strokes, heart attacks, and major trauma are the priorities for the ER staff at Western Missouri Medical Center. Other reasons you might seek emergency care from WMMC include:

  • Head injury or trauma
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Chest pain or heart attack symptoms
  • Stroke-like symptoms
  • Intense pain
  • Uncontrollable bleeding
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Elderly medical services
  • Newborn medical services

When to go to Express Care

Not every condition requires emergency services. For most other treatments, you can seek treatment from Warrensburg Express Care. You can choose to express care service if you experience conditions such as:

  • Coughing
  • Cold
  • Fever
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Minor burns
  • Minor cuts
  • Nausea
  • Infection
  • Earache
  • Pink eye
  • Bites
  • Sore throat
  • Possibly needing stitches
  • Possible broken bones/sprains

Save My Spot

Our Save My Spot tool was designed with patient convenience in mind. Patients can schedule their visits to our Warrensburg Express Care with a quick online check-in.

With Save My Spot, patients can wait from home for their appointment instead of in the hospital waiting room. Other advantages of the Save My Spot system include:

  • Reduced exposure to airborne illnesses
  • Ability to plan your visit on your schedule
  • Access from any device, on the go, or at home

Holiday emergencies

During the holidays, we see an increase in emergency care needs at WMMC. The top reasons patients need to visit the emergency room during the holidays include:

  • Overindulgence
  • Food poisoning
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Food cutting or carving injuries
  • Car accidents and trauma
  • Firework mishaps

If you need immediate emergency care, call 911 or visit the closest emergency center near you. For non-life-threatening conditions, the Save My Spot tool allows WMMC patients to conveniently schedule an appointment on their own time. 

Turn to WMMC for quality emergency care in western Missouri

If you fit any of the reasons for when to go to the ER, come to Western Missouri Medical Center for the best emergency care in western Missouri. We’ve equipped our emergency room with innovative technology, and our staff is both highly trained and experienced in emergency medical care. We are certified as a Level III Trauma Stroke, and STEMI Center, giving us the capability to treat you in critical situations.

With the Save My Spot tool, you can rest at home while waiting for your appointment time for Warrensburg Express Care. This tool is perfect for parents with sick children or patients who can’t let medical care interrupt their busy schedules. 

If you have any further questions about emergency care or Express Care at WMMC, contact us today.