When to Go to the
Emergency Department

How do you decide when a medical condition rises to the level of a medical emergency?

The American College of Emergency Physicians offers a list of warning signs that indicate a medical emergency:

• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• Unusual chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
• Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
• Changes in vision
• Confusion or changes in mental status
• Any sudden or severe pain
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Suicidal feelings
• Difficulty speaking

In case of an emergency
If you think a medical condition is lifethreatening or the person’s condition will worsen on the way to the hospital, call 9-1-1 and have the paramedics come to you.

Always get immediate medical attention if you think your child is having a medical emergency. Be aware that children have unique medical problems and may display different symptoms than adults. Symptoms that are serious for a child may not be as serious for an adult. Also, children may be unable to communicate their condition, which means an adult will have to interpret the child’s behavior.

Salem Hospital Emergency Department
665 Winter St. SE, Salem
503-561-5373

West Valley Hospital Emergency Department
525 SE Washington St., Dallas
503-623-8301

If it is NOT an emergency
For minor illnesses and injuries—like those listed here—go to Salem Hospital’s Urgent Care Center:

• Sprains
• Simple fractures (extremities)
• Lacerations (simple)
• Minor work injury (first time)
• Back pain (ambulatory)
• Asthma (mild)
• Urinary tract infection
• Upper respiratory/sinus infection
• Fever
• Ear pain
• Sore throat
• Gastrointestinal (diarrhea)—mild

Salem Hospital Urgent Care Center
1002 Bellevue St. SE
503-561-5554
Open daily: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. No appointment needed.