Not every health issue needs the emergency room. Here’s how to get the right care, faster.
Canadian ERs are currently averaging 3h 28m waits. Many of these are for conditions that don’t require the ER.
Call 911 or go to the ER
The emergency room is the right place for serious or life-threatening conditions. Don’t wait — call 911 if you can’t safely get there yourself.
Chest pain or pressureDifficulty breathingSevere bleeding that won’t stopStroke symptomsSerious head injuryBroken bones or major injuriesSevere allergic reactionLoss of consciousnessSeizuresOverdose or poisoning
Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions — no appointment, no referral, and in many provinces, no cost with your health card. This is the fastest option for many issues people go to the ER for.
Walk-in clinics handle urgent but non-life-threatening issues: infections that need bloodwork, sprains that need an x-ray, stitches for minor cuts, sick notes, and prescription renewals. No appointment needed. Wait times are typically 30 minutes to 2 hours — much shorter than most ERs.
If you don’t have a family doctor, a walk-in clinic is often the best option for same-day care that’s beyond what a pharmacist can handle.
Not sure? Call 811
If you’re not sure where to go, this is the single best call you can make. A registered nurse will listen to your symptoms and tell you the right place to get care — whether that’s self-care at home, a pharmacist, a walk-in clinic, or the ER.
Free. Confidential. Available 24/7 in most provinces.
Go to the ER for life-threatening or serious conditions: chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, stroke symptoms, serious injuries, loss of consciousness, or severe allergic reactions. If you are unsure, call 811 — a registered nurse can help you decide.
What is the difference between an ER and a walk-in clinic?
Emergency rooms treat life-threatening and serious conditions 24/7 and are staffed with emergency physicians. Walk-in clinics handle non-emergency issues like infections, minor injuries, and prescription renewals during business hours. ERs triage by severity, so non-urgent visits often face long waits.
Can a pharmacist treat me instead of a doctor?
Yes. Pharmacists in all 10 Canadian provinces can assess and prescribe for common conditions like UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies, and more. No appointment is needed. The number of conditions varies by province, from 19 in Ontario to 34 in New Brunswick.
What is 811?
811 is a free, confidential health information line available in every Canadian province. A registered nurse assesses your symptoms and advises you on the best place to get care. Available 24/7 in most provinces.
How long are ER wait times in Canada?
ER wait times vary widely by hospital, time of day, and province. Right now, the national average across reporting hospitals is about 3h 28m. Waits are typically shortest early morning and longest in the evening. Check live wait times on ERstat before you go.