If something happens and you think you need medical help, do you go to the emergency room? Or do you head to your primary care doctor’s office first? Many people go straight to the ER only to learn they didn’t need to. How can you tell where you should go when you have a medical need? Below, Santiam Hospital in the Mid-Willamette Valley area of Oregon shares three symptoms that should immediately be treated at an emergency room, so you’re prepared in case they happen to your loved ones.

Head to the ER if You Exhibit These Symptoms

1. Sudden Chest Pain

Anyone exhibiting the signs of cardiac arrest should be rushed to the emergency room. According to the American Heart Association®, men experiencing heart attacks may have symptoms like shortness of breath, chest or upper body discomfort, nausea, cold sweats, or lightheadedness. Women may experience these symptoms as well as jaw or back pain and vomiting.

2. A Fever Higher Than 103 Degrees

A normal adult body temperature should be around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. If that number rises to more than 103 degrees, the Mayo Clinic® suggests going to an emergency room, especially if the fever is combined with confusion, breathing trouble, seizures, stomach pain, sensitivity to light, a severe headache, or a stiff head and neck.

3. Uncontrolled Bleeding

If you cut yourself in the kitchen with a knife, you should immediately use a clean cloth or gauze to apply pressure to the area. If the bleeding is still uncontrolled after five minutes, it’s time to go to the ER. There, they have the necessary medicine and knowledge to stop the bleeding and reduce the chances of infection. Injuries that will require stitches should also be treated right away by emergency room staff.

For additional information on symptoms that should be treated right away, talk with the experienced medical team at Santiam Hospital. Their state-of-the-art technology and compassionate, knowledgeable staff provide personalized care to people of all ages and medical needs. Plus, their emergency room has a limited waiting time thanks to its rural location, so you’ll be seen by a doctor quicker than many urban locales. To learn about their primary and hospital care services, call (503) 769-2175 or visit their website.