Some symptoms can wait until morning. Many cannot. Knowing the difference between “watch and wait” and “go now” is what saves brain tissue, heart muscle, and lives.
This guide covers 8 emergencies that need 24-hour ER care, the warning signs to watch for, and why ER of Irving is set up to handle them around the clock.
1. Stroke Symptoms (Face, Arm, Speech, Time)
On average, 1.9 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated, according to the American Stroke Association. The CDC teaches the F.A.S.T. method to recognize one fast.
- F – Face drooping on one side
- A – Arm weakness when raising both arms
- S – Speech difficulty or slurred words
- T – Time to call 911 immediately
Even if symptoms fade, get evaluated. A transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke) is a warning sign of a future stroke, per the CDC. See our full F.A.S.T. stroke guide for details.
2. Heart Attack Signs
Per the CDC, most heart attacks involve chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes. It can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
Call 911 if you have:
- Chest pressure or squeezing lasting more than a few minutes
- Pain spreading to the jaw, arm, neck, or back
- Shortness of breath with the chest pain
- Cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness
Other symptoms can include unusual tiredness and nausea or vomiting. The CDC says women are more likely to have these other symptoms. Do not drive yourself. An EMS team can begin treatment when it arrives.
3. Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
Anaphylaxis symptoms develop quickly, often within seconds or minutes, per MedlinePlus. Use an EpiPen if you have one, then go to the ER. Symptoms can continue or return after the first injection, so MedlinePlus advises emergency treatment right after using it.
Warning signs:
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Hives spreading across the body
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Sudden severe drop in blood pressure (fainting)
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
See our anaphylaxis after EpiPen guide for what happens after the first dose.
4. High Fever in Babies and Young Children
Fever in young children is different from fever in adults. Age changes when a fever needs care.
Get medical care right away if your child has:
- A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher at 3 months or younger
- A fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher at 3 to 12 months
- A fever lasting longer than 24 to 48 hours at age 2 or younger, or 48 to 72 hours if older
- Fever with stiff neck, severe headache, or rash
- Fever with extreme drowsiness or trouble waking
The MedlinePlus guide on fever covers age-specific thresholds in detail. Our 103° fever rule for children covers when to head in immediately.
5. Severe Abdominal Pain
Most belly pain is not an emergency. Some types are.
Head to the ER for:
- Sharp pain in the lower right belly (possible appendicitis)
- Pain so severe you cannot stand straight or walk
- Pain with vomiting blood or bloody stools
- Pain with fever and a hard, rigid belly
- Sudden severe pain in pregnancy
Our abdominal pain service page covers the ER workup.
6. Sudden Severe Headache
A headache that comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent needs medical attention right away. Per MedlinePlus, it may be due to a ruptured blood vessel in the brain.
Red flags:
- Worst headache of your life, starting suddenly
- Headache with stiff neck or fever
- Headache after a head injury
- Headache with vision changes or one-sided weakness
- Headache with confusion or trouble speaking
See our migraine vs aneurysm guide for how to tell them apart.
7. Difficulty Breathing
Breathing problems can come from asthma, pneumonia, heart failure, blood clots, or allergic reactions. The cause matters less than acting fast.
Call 911 if:
- You cannot speak in full sentences
- Lips or fingertips turn blue
- Sudden severe shortness of breath at rest
- Wheezing not responding to inhalers
Our emergency breathing care page details the ER pathway.
8. Deep Cuts and Broken Bones
Some injuries need same-day repair. Per MedlinePlus, stitches may be needed if a wound is more than a quarter inch deep, on the face, or reaching the bone.
ER-level injuries:
- Cuts that gape open or will not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure
- Cuts on the face, hands, or joints
- Visible bone, tendon, or deep fat
- Broken bones with deformity or skin breakage
- Loss of feeling or movement past the injury
Our fractures treatment page covers imaging and stabilization.
Why a 24-Hour ER (Not Calling 911 Tomorrow)
ER of Irving is a freestanding emergency facility licensed under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 254. We operate around the clock with experienced ER physicians, on-site imaging, and full lab services.
- CT scan, x-ray, ultrasound, and labs available 24/7
- Experienced ER physicians on-site every hour of the day
- Walk-in with no appointment needed
- Transfer arrangements with regional hospitals for ICU or surgery cases
For symptoms above, do not wait until morning. The cost of waiting is measured in brain cells, heart muscle, or surgical urgency. The cost of an unneeded ER visit is much smaller. Not sure your symptom needs an ER at all? Our emergency room vs 24-hour pharmacy guide covers what a pharmacist can and cannot handle.
FAQs
Is ER of Irving open 24 hours?
Yes. Our freestanding emergency room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. No appointment is needed.
When should I call 911 vs drive to the ER?
Call 911 for stroke, heart attack, severe trouble breathing, anaphylaxis, or any situation where moving the patient could make things worse. Driving is fine for stable cuts, fractures, or moderate pain.
What is a freestanding ER?
A freestanding emergency room provides full emergency care with experienced ER physicians, on-site imaging, and labs, but without inpatient beds. If you need admission or surgery, we transfer you to a partner hospital. Our guide on how a standalone ER works for busy Irving families explains the visit flow step by step.
Is a freestanding ER the same as urgent care?
No. Urgent care handles minor conditions (mild infections, simple cuts). A freestanding ER handles life-threatening emergencies. Billing and licensing are different. Our ER vs urgent care guide breaks down which to choose for common situations.
Do I need insurance to visit the ER?
No. ER of Irving does not turn anyone away. We will see you regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Bring an ID and insurance card if you have them, but do not delay care to find them.
