When to Visit the ER

If you believe you're having a stroke or heart attack, call 911 and do not drive yourself to the ER

• Life-saving care begins in the ambulance, and EMS workers will notify the Emergency Room of your condition en route to the hospital

Come to the ER if you or someone you know has an emergent condition, such as:

• Broken bones or complicated fractures
• Chest pain or stroke symptoms
• Convulsions or loss of consciousness
• Difficulty speaking or breathing
• Face or eye trauma
• Head, back or neck injury
• Knife or gun wound
• Poisoning 
• Serious injuries or burns
• Sudden or severe pain, especially in the chest or abdomen 
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Weakness or inability to walk
• Vomiting/coughing up blood

If you're not experiencing a time-sensitive medical emergency, try to secure the following:

• A comprehensive list of over-the-counter medications and supplements (include dosage when possible)
• A list of medication allergies
• A responsible adult to drive you home
• A copy of any recent medical test results or reports from other facilities
• Contact information for your primary care doctor and any other healthcare providers who should receive reports from your ER visit

North Kansas City Hospital has over 70,000 emergency room visits a year. With thousands of patients relying on our care, it's important to only visit the ER for true medical emergencies.  By determining if your condition is emergent or non-emergent, you're helping ensure our ER is available to those who need it most.

Non-Emergent Conditions:

• Earaches or infection
• Minor fever or flu-like symptoms
• Minor cut(s)
• Minor, non-life-threatening allergic reaction
• Upset stomach
• Skin condition
• Strep throat

Non-emergent conditions do not require a visit to the Emergency Room. If you or a loved one requires treatment for a non-emergent condition, consider visiting Meritas Health Express.