When to Access Health Care

Emergencies

Call 911 for Health Emergencies

The fastest way to get help for a medical emergency is to call 911. For communities without 911 service, the front of your phone book will list emergency numbers or check Enhanced 911 in Manitoba.

Is It An Emergency, Urgent or Not Urgent

It's not always easy to decide whether you should visit a hospital emergency room. If you think you may need to go to an ER, but aren't sure, call Health Links 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll free.

Emergency

Such as: heart attack, major trauma, severe head injury, amputation, severe difficulty breathing (due to an allergic reaction or other cause), unconsciousness, severe bleeding, call 911.

Urgent

Such as: head injury but still awake, deep cut, foreign body in the eyes or ears, high fever in an infant or toddler, chest pain (not related to a known heart problem), signs of serious infection. Call 911 or head to your local hospital emergency room.


Urgent Care

Less Urgent

Such as: possible fracture/sprain, back pain, skin/wound infection, headaches (migraines). Contact any one of these services:

  • Your family doctor, local health clinic, QuickCare Clinics or Urgent Care Centre may be a better choice than your local emergency room to treat mild or chronic headaches, back pain or stomach pain; minor cuts or burns; colds, sore throat or sinus problems.
  • For broken bones, sprains, cuts or bruises, the Pan Am Minor Injury Clinic in Winnipeg is open seven days a week (weekdays, 8 am to 8 pm; weekends, 10 am to 6 pm).

 


Minor

Not Urgent

Such as: colds, minor cuts, bites, sore throat, sinus problems and ongoing health problems, contact your primary health provider.