Crowding In RI Emergency Rooms: Know When To Go

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's hospitals are getting crowded. To help reduce wait times and find the best care, the Department of Health reminded residents to only go to the emergency room in urgent situations.

"Emergency departments are perfect for emergency situations," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the department. "If someone is experiencing a serious health issue, they should absolutely call 911 or go to an emergency department right away. However, emergency departments treat patients with the most serious health issues first, which means that people with less severe conditions may experience long waits."

Emergency rooms across the state are experiencing patient large volumes and extended wait time, the department said. This comes from several factors, including staffing shortages. To help reduce crowding and lower wait times, Alexander-Scott encouraged seeking alternate care sites for non-emergency situations.

Health issues such as non-severe cases of the flu, back pain, small cuts, low-grade fevers and noroviruses — also known as the stomach flu — should be taken to a primary care provider or an urgent care facility.

"Keep the phone number for your primary care provider handy and know where your nearest urgent care facility is," Alexander-Scott continued. "An urgent care facility, or other type of express care facility is often a more convenient, less expensive option."

The department also reminded residents not to go to an emergency room for COVID-19 testing or coronavirus-like symptoms that are mild.

"Our hospitals stand ready to safely treat anyone who needs care regardless of the day or time. If you have a health emergency, call 911. But, if you are not sure whether your health issue is an emergency, call your primary care physician," said Teresa Paiva Weed, the president of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island. "If you haven’t seen your primary care physician in a while, make an appointment because primary care is the best way to manage existing health conditions and prevent an emergency."

If you're not sure if you should go to an emergency room, start by calling your primary care provider or visiting an urgent care facility or community clinic.

The following can be signs of a life-threatening medical emergency, indicating it's time to go to the emergency room.

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent chest pain or chest pressure
• New weakness in an arm, leg, or face
• New difficulty speaking or confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone