When to Go to the Emergency Room

The American Academy of Emergency Physicians recommends immediate care in the Emergency Department for the following conditions:

• Chest pain that radiates or is accompanied by dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath
• Sudden or severe abdominal pain
  
• Allergic reactions
  
• Animal bites
  
• Uncontrolled bleeding
  
• Coughing or vomiting blood
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Broken bones
  
• Sudden dizziness, weakness or changes in vision
  
• Fever greater than 103 degrees Fahrenheit
  
• Change in mental status
  
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea leading to dehydration
  
• Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
  

Urgent Care

If you are experiencing non-life threatening illnesses or injuries, your primary care provider or clinic after-hours contact can help you determine when to seek emergency care.

Find a Clinic

Conditions for Clinic Visits

• Fever less than 102 degrees Fahrenheit
• Minor burns
  
• Minor lacerations of less than 2 cm
  
• Minor sprains and strains
  
• Painful urination
  
• Vomiting and diarrhea
  

Trauma Care

Our healthcare system is working with the Arkansas Department of Health as a statewide trauma system is developed. White River Medical Center and WRMC Medical Complex Cherokee Village ER are Level III Trauma Centers. All WRHS Emergency facilities are a part of Arkansas's trauma network designed to improve the care of patients across the state by providing access to the most appropriate care as quickly as possible.

Cooperative agreements with helicopter and ground ambulance organizations ensure the availability of medical transportation to and from WRHS facilities as needed.

Arkansas Saves Program

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Arkansas. White River Medical Center, Stone County Medical Center, and the WRMC Medical Complex ER partner with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to improve access to the appropriate care for stroke patients. Emergency Department physicians and clinical staff communicate with on-call specialists using a real-time video connection which provides access to important diagnostic information for timely diagnosis and allow physicians to initiate appropriate treatment.