Do I Need to Go to Emergency?

In life-threatening situations, emergency services are vital. However, they are not set up to care for routine illnesses, and they do not work on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy times, people with minor illnesses may wait for hours. Also, your records from your family doctor are not available, so emergency doctors only have information about your medical history from previous visits to that hospital.

Use good judgment in deciding when to use emergency medical services. Whenever you feel you can apply home treatment safely and wait to see your regular doctor, do so. However, if you believe your situation requires urgent care, by all means go to the emergency department.

For urgent care

If you are experiencing chest pains, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest hospital emergency department.
Our hospital emergency staff will be here if you need us - search for our locations listed in the Find a Location section.

For non-urgent care

See your family physician, or if you prefer, visit a local walk-in clinic. If you don't have a family doctor, go to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC for a list of doctors accepting new patients.

College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC

For non-emergency illnesses

Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 for 24-hour access to non-emergency health information and services. Speak with a nurse about your symptoms, consult with a pharmacist about your medication questions, or get healthy eating advice from a dietitian. You can also find the health services and resources you need, closest to you.

Keep a copy of the BC HealthGuide Handbook at home, or visit HealthLink BC for more health information.

HealthLink BC