A Local ER Doctor Explains How to Know Where to Go When You’re Sick or Injured
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room? HCA Florida Healthcare’s Dr. Gideon Logan Weighs In
When you're sick or injured, knowing where to seek care can make all the difference. HCA Florida Healthcare’s
Dr. Gideon Logan is the ER medical director at HCA Florida West Orange Emergency,
1320 Daniels Rd, Winter Garden. He explains some of the most common conditions treated in emergency rooms and how to determine whether an ER or urgent care center is the right choice.
Q: What are some of the most common symptoms that bring people to the emergency room?
Dr. Logan: We see a range of medical emergencies. Some of the most common include chest pain, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, falls, broken bones, cuts that require stitches, dehydration, severe infections and injuries from car accidents or sports. We also care for patients experiencing strokes, heart attacks, allergic reactions and other life-threatening conditions that require immediate treatment.
Q: How do you know if you should go to the ER or an urgent care center?
Dr. Logan: A good rule is to consider how serious the symptoms are. If you're experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, confusion, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or a major injury, go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately. Emergency departments are equipped to provide advanced imaging, laboratory testing, surgery and specialty care 24 hours a day.
Urgent care centers are great for non-life-threatening illnesses and minor injuries, such as sore throats, ear infections, mild fevers, sprains, minor cuts, urinary tract infections, or seasonal allergies.
Q: Are there situations where people wait too long to seek emergency care?
Dr. Logan: Yes, sometimes patients delay care because they hope symptoms will improve on their own. That can be dangerous, especially with conditions like stroke or heart attack, where every minute counts. If you notice sudden symptoms that are severe or worsening, get evaluated promptly. Early treatment can improve outcomes and, in some cases, save lives.
Q: What advice do you have for parents with a sick or injured child?
Dr. Logan: It's important to trust your instincts. If your child has trouble breathing, a high fever accompanied by lethargy, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, a serious injury, or is difficult to wake, they should be evaluated in an emergency department right away. For more routine illnesses like mild ear infections, colds, or minor cuts, an urgent care center or pediatrician's office may be appropriate.
Q: What's one message you'd like the community to remember?
Dr. Logan: Never ignore symptoms that feel serious or out of the ordinary. If you're unsure whether it's an emergency, it's always safer to seek medical evaluation. HCA Healthcare's free Consult-A-Nurse® line is a great resource. Licensed nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer health questions, discuss symptoms and help guide you to the most appropriate level of care, whether that's the emergency room, an urgent care center or a follow-up with your primary care provider. You can reach Consult-A-Nurse® anytime by calling (844) 70-NURSE (844-706-8773).
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