If you have been reading WestView News, you are well aware that it is in favor of once again having a hospital with a comprehensive emergency department (ED). North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System (NSLIJ) is building what they call an emergency care center that offers 24-hour emergency care, but not the comprehensive services of a full-fledged hospital. To many of us, this sounds more like an Urgent Care Center, or as some call it, “A Doc in The Box.” We have learned that some of our readers are unclear about the differences.
Comprehensive emergency departments are 24-hour, fully staffed and treat life-threatening emergencies. Urgent are Centers are usually freestanding (not within a hospital), “walk –in” centers that treat non-life threatening medical situations. They can choose whether or not to be 24 hours. They are staffed by medical personnel, some have laboratories and basic x-ray capabilities, whilst others do not.
A comprehensive emergency department treats both life threatening and non-life threatening medical situations.
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) recommends you visit an emergency department or call 911 if you experience symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, or feel your “life or limb” is in danger.
The ACEP recommends you:
Visit an Emergency Department if you experience these problems:
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in mental status such as confusion
- Chest pain
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Heavy bleeding
- Large open wounds
- Loss of consciousness
- Major burns
- Severe head injury
- Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Spinal injuries
- Sudden change in vision
- Sudden dizziness, weakness, or changes in vision
- Sudden or severe pain
- Sudden weakness
- Trouble breathing
- Uncontrolled bleeding
Visit an urgent care center for:
- Minor broken bones
- Minor burns
- Mild asthma attacks
- Minor infections
- Pelvic infections
- Rashes
- Small cuts
- Sore throats
- Sprains
- Strains
- Urinary tract infections
Now that you know the difference, what do you want in the West Village? Let your voice be heard.
