When to visit a Jacksonville ER or urgent care

Choosing the right place for care helps ensure faster treatment for both emergencies and non-emergencies, lower out-of-pocket costs when urgent care is appropriate, shorter wait times, and better ER access for patients with life-threatening needs.

ERs and urgent care centers are designed for very different medical needs. Here’s what you need to know about ERs and urgent care centers to help you make the best decision for you and your family when care is needed.

What’s the difference between the ER and urgent care?

Ascension St. Vincent’s emergency rooms in Jacksonville, Florida are open 24/7 and equipped to treat life-threatening conditions. Our ERs have access to advanced imaging, specialists, and surgical teams. They are the right place to go when symptoms are severe, sudden, or potentially life-threatening.

Ascension St. Vincent’s urgent care centers treat non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that need prompt attention but aren’t emergencies. They offer extended evening and weekend hours, shorter wait times, and lower costs than the ER.

Knowing which one to choose can make a big difference in your experience and outcomes.

When should you go to the ER?

Go to the ER or call 911 immediately if you or someone else is experiencing:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Deep or large cuts that involve muscle or bone
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Head injury with confusion or vomiting
• Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe allergic reactions (swelling of face or throat)
• Signs of a stroke (sudden weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking)

Ascension St. Vincent’s hospitals are all designated Primary Stroke Centers, backed by leading cardiovascular, surgical, neuro, and orthopedic specialists. We provide 24/7 care for life-threatening and severe illness and injury — including heart attack, stroke, concussion, broken bones, and more. Our experienced ER care teams deliver the right care for you and your family, and you are connected to the right follow-up care across Ascension St. Vincent’s sites of care before you leave the ER, including leading cancer care, heart care and women's health specialists.

When is urgent care the right choice?

Urgent care is ideal for conditions that are uncomfortable or concerning but not life-threatening, such as:

• Cold, flu, or COVID-like symptoms
• Ear or eye infections
• Fever without severe symptoms
• Mild asthma symptoms
• Minor cuts that may need stitches
• Rashes or minor allergic reactions that aren’t spreading
• Sore throat
• Sprains or minor pains or fractures
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Ascension St. Vincent’s urgent care locations offer urgent care for minor illness and injuries. If you or your child six months and older are not feeling well or you need an urgent medical opinion, our physicians and care teams deliver urgent care, close to home. We offer convenient evening and weekend hours, online check-in, and same day virtual visits.

Most importantly, recognizing true emergencies can save lives.

If symptoms feel severe, sudden, or life-threatening, always choose an Ascension St. Vincent’s ER, or call 911 and ask to be taken to Ascension St. Vincent's for treatment. For everything else that needs timely care but isn’t an emergency, urgent care can provide high-quality, convenient treatment close to home.

Understanding the difference empowers you to make informed decisions when it matters most.

Find an Ascension St. Vincent’s ER or urgent care near you.