Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1499641
6 | Health Matters: Providence St. Mary Medical Center Providence St. Mary Medical Center emergency department Head to our emergency department, or call 911, if you are experiencing: • choking or an inability to breathe • a head injury resulting in confusion or loss of consciousness • an injury to the neck or spine, especially with a loss of feeling or inability to move • heavy bleeding • deep wound or serious cuts and/or burns • a possibly broken bone • a high fever with a headache and stiff neck • a severe allergic reaction (e.g., swelling, hives or trouble breathing) • poisoning or a drug/alcohol overdose • suicidal thoughts or other mental/ behavioral issues, such as addiction or depression As the only accredited Stroke Receiving Center in the High Desert, our emergency department includes specialized equipment and staff to provide you and your loved ones with high-quality emergency care. If you're not sure whether your situation is life- threatening, be safe and come in. Where to Get the Care You Need When you need immediate medical attention, where should you go? Is your local emergency room the right option, or will an urgent care suffice? These questions can cause added stress when you need to make a quick decision, so we spoke to Marc Wirtz, executive director of Critical Care Services at Providence St. Mary Medical Center, who offered the following guidance. St. Mary High Desert Medical Group Urgent Care Centers treat: • cold or flu • rashes • fractures and sprains • abdominal pain • nausea, vomiting and diarrhea • strep throat • pink eye • asthma • lacerations requiring stitches or staples The urgent cares also perform basic X-rays and administer IV fluids. The centers are staffed by physicians, physician assistants and advanced practice nurses. St. Mary High Desert Medical Group Urgent Care Center locations and hours 18310 Highway 18 Apple Valley, CA 92307 760-961-6555 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday 12550 Hesperia Rd., Suite 100 Victorville, CA 92395 760-381-7703 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday