ER or not? The list I want every man to know
Call 911. Do not drive yourself.
- Chest pressure, squeezing or pain, especially with sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, or pain into the arm, jaw or back. Lasting more than a few minutes or coming and going.
- Stroke signs, BE FAST: Balance loss, Eyes (sudden vision loss), Face drooping, Arm or leg weakness, Speech trouble, Time to call 911.
- The worst headache of your life, or one that hits like a thunderclap
- Trouble breathing, coughing up blood, or lips turning blue
- Fainting, or a racing or pounding heartbeat with dizziness
- Thoughts of suicide with a plan: call 911, or call or text 988
Go to the ER today
- Severe belly pain, especially with fever or vomiting
- Sudden severe pain or swelling in the testicle (time matters)
- A head injury on a blood thinner
- Black or bloody stool, or vomiting blood
- A painful, swollen calf, especially after a long trip
- High fever with confusion or a stiff neck
Urgent care or your doctor can usually handle
- Sprains and simple cuts
- Colds, sore throat, ear pain, mild flu symptoms
- Urinary symptoms without fever or back pain
- Rashes without fever or facial swelling
Be ready before you need it
Set these up on a calm day. The medical ID takes five minutes, and it speaks for you when you cannot.
Lock-screen medical ID
Free. Your allergies, medicines and emergency contact on your phone's lock screen, so a paramedic can read them if you cannot talk.
Make my free medical IDER wait times near you
Typical ER visit times for hospitals near your ZIP code, from public Medicare data.
Check by ZIP codeFind a micro hospital
Addresses and phone numbers for micro hospitals near your ZIP code.
Find one near meER, freestanding ER or urgent care?
Where to go for what, what each one costs, and your rights on a surprise bill.
Help me chooseStayed overnight but not admitted?
What "observation status" means for your bill and Medicare.
Learn the differenceAsk AI about your health, safely
Build a safe prompt for ChatGPT or any AI, without giving away personal details.
Build a safe promptFree tools from DR GPT™ Labs by Harvey Castro, MD, MBA. Education only, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.
Written and medically reviewed by Harvey Castro, MD, MBA, board-certified emergency physician. Last reviewed October 25, 2026.