The Los Angeles Fire Department joins the Urgent Care Association of America in recognizing November 10-14, 2008 as "Urgent Care Awareness Week".


While not a replacement for the critical care capabilities of a hospital emergency department, urgent care centers can provide walk-in, extended hour medical care for cuts and lacerations, sprains/strains, colds, fever, flu, insect bites, ear infections, rashes, back aches, vomiting and diarrhea, stomach aches, simple fractures, and many other illnesses that are not life or limb threatening.

We urge you to speak candidly with your personal Physician or health care provider about the role that clinics and urgent care centers can play in keeping you well, and encourage you to become familiar with facilities that are convenient to where you live, work and play.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical situation that demands the immediate presence of an ambulance and Fire Department Paramedics to get you to the hospital emergency room, never hesitate to call 9-1-1.

If instead, your situation is urgent but not an emergency, please consider the advice of your medical doctor and the services of a walk-in urgent care center in your community.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department