When you need immediate medical attention, the TGH URGENT CARE powered by FAST TRACK urgent care walk-in clinic offers many services. At our walk-in clinics, we treat patients with sprains, strains, fractures, low-grade fevers, infections, cuts, and other minor conditions. For example, we routinely treat people with sore throats, flu, and other minor illnesses that don’t require an appointment. If you are in danger or have a life-threatening emergency going on, please call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room (ER).

Times to call 911

The following warning signs will help you recognize a true medical emergency that warrants a 9-1-1 call or trip to the emergency room:

• Chest Pain or upper abdominal pain or pressure
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Sudden confusion, disorientation, or pale and clammy skin (shock symptoms)
• Sudden dizziness, weakness, or vision changes
• An allergic reaction that causes throat swelling or hives
• Severe headache
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Major burns
• Injuries affecting the head or spine
• Persistent vomiting
• Vomiting or coughing up blood
• Drowning
• Hypothermia
• Heat exhaustion
• Suspected poisoning or drug overdose
• Thoughts of Suicide
• Bluish lips or face

What To Expect

Recognizing these symptoms can save a life. Even in an emergency, the time you have to act is limited. So, take your time and stay calm. When you call 9-1-1, speak slowly and clearly and wait to hang up until the dispatcher tells you to do so–they’ll need to know who is in trouble, where it is taking place, and the nature of the problem. If that person needs CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), make sure to learn how it works first. Never attempt moving someone with a suspected neck or spinal injury without instructions from 911 first.

When Not to Call 911

Unless it’s an emergency, never call 911 for information, minor illness or injury, pets, or power outages. This delay in getting emergency assistance to someone who really needs it could be life-threatening whenever a 911 operator has to deal with non-emergency calls.

If you are unsure whether you need to call 911 or not, it is best to call and let the emergency dispatcher determine if you need emergency help.

Can I Text 911

In the United States, texting 911 is increasing, and efforts are underway to receive texts at call centers across the country. If you need emergency assistance, it’s best to call 911 if you can and text if you can’t.

Calling 911 by voice remains the best way to reach 911, even if text-to-911 is available in your area. You should receive an immediate bounce-back message telling you that the text message was not delivered if you send a text message to 911, but text-to-911 services are unavailable in your area.

For more information about text-to-911, go to the Federal Communications “Text to 911: What You Need to Know” page.

FAQ

Q1. When I think I may have been exposed to Coronavirus, should I call 911?

If you think you have been exposed to the Coronavirus or you have symptoms such as a fever or cough, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Contact your local health department for instructions if you do not have a healthcare provider. To learn more about how your community is responding to the pandemic, call 211/311/411.

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources for 911

Q2. How can people who are deaf or hard of hearing reach 911 for help?

It is still necessary for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers to use teletypewriters (TTY) or telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDD) to contact 911. These devices, which were invented in the 1960s, could be more convenient and faster performing.

In some PSAPs, text-to-911 allows you to send 911 messages using a mobile device instead of calling. According to data from 2021, more than half of PSAPs offer text-to-911 service, with variations between states. For more information about emergency services for the deaf and hard of hearing in your area, click here. visit the National Association of the Deaf or visit the voluntary Text-to-911 Registry maintained by the Federal Communications Commission.

Q3. What is the best way to ensure 911 has the correct address for my home or business?

Most counties have a 911 addressing coordinator responsible for updating information regarding addressing changes or resolving issues. Suppose contact information for the 911 addressing coordinator cannot be found on your county’s website. In that case, you may contact the non-emergency number for your county to ask for the appropriate addressing authority. You may also visit the National Association of State 911 Administrators site and select the state where you live to find your 911 administrator. The person responsible for operating the state 911 system is listed there and they should know who you should talk to at the local government level.

If you need care for a non-life-threatening medical condition, please contact TGH URGENT CARE powered by FAST TRACK urgent care walk-in clinic, where you can see a doctor at our walk-in clinic.  If you plan to visit one of our facilities in the Tampa, FL, area and would like to shorten your wait time, you can sign in before you arrive using our convenient On My Way system.