In order to receive the most appropriate medical care, it’s essential that we understand the difference between urgent and emergency care. While the terms ‘urgent’ and ‘emergency’ somewhat means the same thing, these two significantly differ in medical terms. Even now, some people are still confused with these two types of medical care. But what exactly is the main difference between these two? And what are the instances which require going to the urgent care or the emergency room?
The main difference between urgent and emergency care is the severity of the medical condition. If the patient suffers life-threatening health problems, going to the emergency room (ER) is the better option. However, if the condition is a minor illness or injury, going to urgent care is the more ideal choice. Again, most people are having a hard time evaluating whether a condition is considered life-threatening or minor.
Take a look at these funny roadside billboards showing the difference between urgent and emergency care
Life-threatening health problems include heart attack, stroke, breathing difficulty, paralysis, loss of consciousness, excessive bleeding, head injuries, broken bones, poisoning, and severe burns. Whereas minor medical situations include allergies, infections, headaches, dizziness, rashes, minor cuts and burns, sprains and strains, coughs and colds, and flu. But can you still go to the ER with just minor injuries? Of course, you can. However, getting attended at the ER will cost you more. Since ER prioritizes patients with more serious conditions, you’ll be likely to wait in line for a longer period of time. On the other hand, urgent care centers are walk-in facilities offering quick medical services at a lower cost. In the urgent care, you are attended more quickly that you would be in the ER.
In order to further educate the people regarding the difference between urgent and emergency care, a Florida-based healthcare system company came up with a brilliant idea. BayCare puts up humorous yet informative billboards that clearly define the instances that seek either urgent or emergency treatment. The healthcare company reached out to DeVito/Verdi, a New York-based advertising agency company, in making comical road signs that can convey the information.
“BayCare needed to raise the profile of both its Emergency Care services and its Urgent Care services,” DeVito/Verdi writes. “However, consumers were getting the two confused. So we created a campaign that would both differentiate the services and raise their profile.”
Here’s how people reacted to these hilarious yet informative road signs:
Source: Imgur | TheRussMartinShow