Adventist Health - Navigating emergencies during a pandemic: Should I go to the ER or urgent care?

Given the COVID-19 status in the Yuba-Sutter region, is it safe to go to the emergency room if you need to? And when is urgent care the right option for care?

Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about navigating urgent medical needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Emergencies don’t pause for COVID-19

When the news is reporting full hospitals and a surge of COVID-19 patients, many may be apprehensive to visit a hospital and don’t want to overwhelm healthcare resources. But don’t delay care when something urgent comes up—we have the resources we need and are prepared and available to care for you and your family.

Although COVID-19 is a serious concern, fear should never create a barrier to receiving emergency medical services. If you or a loved one is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 and ask to be taken to your nearest hospital.

When should I go to the emergency room?

Go to our emergency room at the Adventist Health and Rideout Medical Center for problems that can’t wait, such as:

Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Severe bleeding or trauma
Loss of consciousness
Loss of or blurred vision
High, uncontrolled fever
Head injuries
Burns
Severe abdominal pain
Broken bones

The emergency room is located at 726 4^th Street in Marysville.

When should I go to urgent care?

Visit our urgent care center in Yuba City for urgent problems that aren’t life-threatening but still need attention, such as:

Coughs, colds, and sore throat
Sprains and strains
Rashes or skin irritations like sunburn
Minor burns
Ear infections and sinus infections
Minor cuts and lacerations

Our urgent care center is located at 520 Bogue Road, Suite E6 in Yuba City. Call (530) 844-5660 to speak to our team.

Is the emergency room or urgent care safe from COVID-19?

Our clinics and hospital are safe, open, and prepared to handle health emergencies as well as coronavirus cases.

We have plans and processes in place to effectively care for patients with infectious diseases, including COVID-19, with little risk to other patients or our staff. We closely follow CDC protocols and works with local public health departments to ensure our hospitals and clinics are safe and ready when emergencies happen.

Still not sure?

If you are not sure which location is best suited for your condition and you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you are home and experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and have been in contact with someone who likely has an active coronavirus infection, we encourage you to call your primary care physician or clinic before arriving.