Emergency Medicine

Expert Emergency Room Care

Some symptoms are not to be ignored. If you are experiencing symptoms of a life-threatening illness or injury, please dial 911.

If you are experiencing signs of a heart attack, stroke, or other serious illness, St. Lawrence Health’s emergency departments are your go-to. Visit your local hospital in Potsdam, Gouverneur, or Massena where our experts are equipped to deal with any medical emergency, day or night - our doors are always open.

Urgent Conditions vs Emergency Conditions 

If you need medical assistance but are unsure if it calls for a trip to the emergency department or to an urgent care facility, please view the following list for emergency conditions and symptoms. If you have further questions or concerns, please call your primary care physician. 

Urgent Conditions:

• Stomach ache
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Cough or cold
• Earache
• Sinus infection
• Headache or dizziness
• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion
• Fever
• Pink eye or minor eye injury
• Nosebleed
• Minor burns
• Mild/moderate asthma
• Mild/moderate allergic reaction
• Animal or insect bite
• Urinary tract infection
• Infection
• Cut requiring stitches
• Fall, sprain, or strain
• Possible broken bone (not protruding from skin)
• Sports-related injuries

Emergency Conditions:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Palpitations
• Numbness in the face, arm, or leg
• Sudden paralysis
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden and/or severe pain
• Fever in an infant less than 2 months old
• Seizure
• Poisoning
• Choking
• Severe burn
• Heavy bleeding
• Pregnancy-related bleeding
• Electric shock
• Unconsciousness
• Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction
• Deep wound
• Loss of limb
• Broken bone (protruding from skin)
• Injury to head, neck, or spine

The St. Lawrence Health Emergency Medicine teams provide essential care for people with illnesses and injuries throughout Northern New York. Using the latest technology, we will quickly diagnose, treat, and stabilize our patients.