June 14, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by Avera Health.

Summer fun can end abruptly in illness or injury. While no one wants these seasonal pitfalls to happen to them, it’s good to know your options when you need unexpected health care.

“Baseball and softball are in full swing. The hike and bike trails are full of people. Swimming pools, water parks and beaches are crowded,” said Dr. Kevin Post, Avera chief medical officer. “When people are out and active, there’s always the chance that injuries can occur, or you or someone you’re with can experience a health event while out enjoying summer activities.”

What are your options?

First and foremost, consider the seriousness of the injury or health event.

Do you need emergency care?

“If an injury could threaten life or limb, head to the emergency department or call 911,” Post said.

Avera offers emergency departments in four locations in Sioux Falls:

• Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
• Avera Medical Group Family Health Center – Marion Road
• Avera Medical Group Family Health Center – Dawley Farm
• Avera Heart Hospital

The ED is the highest level of care and is the most expensive. Things that warrant an emergency visit include:

• Possible heart attack symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Possible stroke symptoms like slurred speech or weakness/numbness on one side of the body.
• Serious injury resulting in heavy bleeding.
• Serious head injury resulting in bleeding, confusion or unconsciousness.
• A compound fracture – a broken bone resulting in an open wound or the bone protruding out of the skin.
• A potentially poisonous snake bite.
• Severe burn.
• Seizures.
• Eye injury that could threaten eyesight.
• Serious allergic reaction.
• Dangerously high fever – over 103 degrees or over 100.4 in an infant 4 months or younger.
• Severe pain that you can’t bear.

Uniquely summertime emergencies include heat-related illness. This runs the gamut from needing to go sit in the shade and drink water to needing emergency care. Emergency symptoms include racing pulse, confusion and fever of over 103 degrees.

As the Fourth of July approaches, seek emergency care for severe burns or serious eye injuries. Think in advance of how you can prevent such injuries and protect family members.

Do you need urgent care?

If you need care right away but it’s not as serious, look at the time. If it’s after clinic hours and you don’t feel like you can wait until your clinic opens the next day or after the weekend, consider urgent care.

In Sioux Falls, Avera has three urgent care locations:

• Avera Medical Group 69th and Western
• Avera Medical Group Family Health Center – Dawley Farm
• Avera Medical Group Family Health Center – Marion Road

Urgent care hours are 5 to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Urgent care can handle issues that require immediate attention after normal clinic hours such as minor cuts and burns, sprains and broken bones, painful ear infection and respiratory issues that may require a prescription such as an antibiotic.

Orthopedic walk-in care

If you experience an acute injury or condition involving your bones, muscles or joints, orthopedic walk-in care is available at these locations:

• Avera Human Performance Center, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
• Avera Medical Group Family Health Center – Dawley Farm, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

You can go to these sites if you have a painful muscle strain or sprain, possible fracture or dislocation.

Behavioral Health Urgent Care

In the past, the hospital emergency department was the only 24/7 option for behavioral health crises. Now, Avera offers 24/7 Behavioral Health Urgent Care at the Avera Behavioral Health Hospital. This option is designed and staffed specifically for a mental health crisis.

Clinic care

Your primary care provider knows you best. So if a nonemergent illness or injury occurs during clinic hours, call your provider first. They may be able to see you the same day or help you find another provider/clinic that has a same-day opening. Or when you tell them what’s going on, they may recommend you go straight to the emergency department.

Is your health at stake?

Make the best decision for your health: Could your condition worsen if you wait? Are you in severe pain or discomfort? If so, it’s best to take action right away. If in doubt, call the Avera Medical Call Center at 877-AT-AVERA. This 24/7 line has nurses available to answer your health care questions and help guide you to the right setting.

“Avera offers multiple levels of care for the varied needs that come about year-round,” Post said. “When in doubt, get care right away, even if your only option is the emergency department. Your health is of the upmost importance. Whatever happens, we’re here to help, and we don’t want anyone to take chances with their well-being.”