Urgent Care

When Do I Need to Go to the Emergency Department?

If you are experiencing chest pain, numbness in the arms or legs, slurred speech, loss or decreased vision, extreme shortness of breath, or severe injury or trauma, please call 9-1-1 and ask to be taken to the  nearest Novant Health Emergency Department: Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center in Huntersville or Novant Health Matthews Medical Center in Matthews,

If a child is experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or take the child to the children’s 24-hour emergency department at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital in Charlotte.

Signs that you need emergency care at Novant Health include:

  • Chest pain
  • Suspected stroke
  • Serious injury or trauma
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Poisoning
  • Seizures
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Blacking out
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • High levels of pain you can’t explain.