To help make sure emergency rooms are available to people who need them most, here’s a guide to when and where to get care for common injuries, illnesses and symptoms.

I need care now and don’t feel safe waiting

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you or your loved one has:

• Signs of a possible heart attack: pain in the chest, stomach, back, neck, jaw and/or arms
• Trouble breathing
• Signs of a possible stroke: sudden loss of balance, blurry vision, droopy or numb face, weak arm, slurred speech
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Fever in an adult that:
  • Is 103 degrees or higher
  • Lasts more than three days
• Severe burns
• Head injury, especially with loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Any other immediate threat to life or health

Babies and children need emergency care if:

• The inside of the mouth is blue
• Their breathing is extremely labored (see "How hard is your baby breathing? What to look for")
• They haven't urinated in eight hours or aren't taking in or holding down fluids 
• They are severely lethargic and you are struggling to wake them

I’m worried about poisoning

Call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.

I need care today and can wait a few hours

Get same-day immediate care (also called urgent care) if you or your loved one has:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Cold or flu symptoms
• Minor injuries
• Minor aches and pains
• Any other health issue that needs quick attention

Learn about:

• Same-day in-person visits
• Virtual visits
• SmartExam online questionnaire

I need advice after-hours

Nurse advice lines: Talk with a registered nurse who can decide what kind of care you need.

• Through insurance: Many private insurance and Medicare Advantage plans offer nurse advice lines.
• Oregon Health Plan: If you are a Fee For Service member, you can call the 24-hour nurse advice line at 800-562-4620.
• OHSU patients: If you are a patient at an OHSU primary care clinic, call your clinic’s advice line.
• Multnomah County: Call the Health Department’s advice line at 503-988-5558, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and any time from 5:30 p.m. Friday through 7:30 a.m. Monday.

I need care and can wait a day or more

Make a primary care appointment for:

• Regular tests and screenings
• Vaccinations
• Wellness visits
• New symptoms
• Chronic illness or condition
• Mental health concerns
• Family planning
• Medication needs