Skip Navigation Find a Doctor Health Records Online Physician Portal Careers Fan Store CONTACT ESPAÑOL MENU Medical Emergency? We Have You Covered Home › Medical Emergency? We Have You Covered View ER Wait Times 24/7 Care Available at 10 Locations Across the Region October 13, 2021 One minute life is carrying on as usual, then – out of the blue – something unexpected happens and you or a loved one needs medical care … fast. While you can’t predict the future, you can prepare for life’s emergencies by staying in the know about your options and understanding where to find care quickly. For serious medical emergencies like a heart attack or stroke, your destination should be the nearest emergency room or a call to 911. Introducing the South Texas Health System Trauma & Critical Care Institute One of the many ways South Texas Health System shows that your health is our purpose is by making sure emergency care is available when you need it, where you need it. The South Texas Health System Trauma & Critical Care Institute is a network of four emergency rooms and six conveniently located freestanding emergency departments. Highlights of our emergency services include: South Texas Health System McAllen is designated a Level II Trauma Center by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the American College of Surgeons. South Texas Health System Edinburg is an accredited Chest Pain Center, a certified Primary Stroke Center and a Level IV Trauma Center. South Texas Health System Children’s is the only pediatric Emergency Department in the Rio Grande Valley that provides emergency care just for kids. South Texas Health System Heart is one of the first freestanding cardiology and cardiovascular facilities in the United States. Plus, our freestanding emergency rooms provide emergency care around the clock. “The staff at our freestanding emergency rooms are able to keep things moving smoothly because there are no other departments to depend on,” says Carlos A. Ramirez, MD, MBA, FACHE, Chair of Emergency Medicine at South Texas Health System. “Testing and procedures are done there as well,” he adds, “so wait times are typically shorter than in traditional emergency department settings. That’s important for people who are in pain or have injuries that need to be taken care of as quickly as possible.” Another advantage? Freestanding emergency departments are usually located close to neighborhoods, so people can easily access whatever emergency care they need. “We are ready for anything, and we can deal with any emergency,” Dr. Ramirez says. “It’s nice to know you can get the care you need when you need it.” Learn more about South Texas Health System emergency services → Medical emergencies happen every day. And while you can’t plan for the unexpected, you can take comfort in knowing that the South Texas Health System Trauma & Critical Care Institute is here – demonstrating every day that your health is our purpose. Emergency Room or Urgent Care? As mentioned above, serious medical emergencies mean you should call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. But where do you go for those minor, non-life-threatening concerns, like the flu, cuts and ear infections? Use the following as a guide when you need helping deciding where to go. If you are unsure what type of facility to choose for your emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Need help finding a physician? We can help. Go to the ER or Call 911 for: Signs of possible stroke (slurred speech, facial drooping on one side, etc.) Signs of possible heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath, etc.) Serious burns Fever with rash Difficulty breathing Broken bones Severe cuts Abnormal bleeding Concussion/confusion Visit an Urgent Care Center for: Allergies Burns Cold or flu Coughs Cuts Ear infections Pulled/strained muscles Urinary tract infections It is important to remember that an urgent care center is not a replacement for a continuing relationship with a primary care physician, who serves as your go-to for all of your healthcare services. Find a South Texas Health System facility near you → Remember! Certain medical conditions are simply too serious for urgent care centers and must be treated at a hospital ER. 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