Urgent Care, ER, or Firefly?
Know where to go, before you need to go
If you think your emergency might be life-threatening, please call 911.
If this is not an emergency, send a chat and we’ll get back to you during our regular hours.
Your options for after-hours care
This guide will help you understand when to visit urgent care and when to go to the emergency room.
Urgent care
Urgent care centers are designed for conditions that require prompt attention but are not severe or life-threatening (Think sprains, minor cuts that may need stitches, moderate flu symptoms, urinary tract infections, fevers without severe symptoms, or mild asthma attacks.)
Urgent care offers a good alternative to get the immediate care you need without the higher cost and longer wait times of an emergency room.
Emergency department
The emergency room (ER) or emergency department (ED) is for severe or life-threatening conditions that demand immediate medical attention. (Think chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, sudden numbness or weakness, suspected stroke or heart attack, major injuries, severe burns, uncontrolled pain, or a sudden, severe headache)
For these critical situations, the ER provides the specialized equipment and medical personnel necessary to address acute and potentially life-threatening emergencies.
What type of care do you need?
Click on the tab that feels the most fitting for your current issue and see where you should go.
Go to urgent care for:
- Colds, flu, coughs, sore throats
- Ear infections
- Sinus infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Bronchitis
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Rashes
- Minor allergic reactions
- Insect bites or sting
Go to the ER for:
- Poisoning or overdose
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Newborn fever (under 3 months old)
- Severe allergic reactions (swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, rash)