Accidents happen. So does the flu. But when is an injury or health condition serious enough for a call to 911 or a trip to the emergency room? And what's more appropriate for a non-emergency express care visit?

Dr. Julia Bruner, director of MetroExpressCare, offers these tips:

When to Call 911 or Rush to the ER
Go straight to the nearest ER for life-threatening medical conditions that require immediate attention to prevent death or disability. Some examples of emergencies are:

• Bleeding that does not stop
• Chest pain
• Drug or other poisoning
• Major burns
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision
• Symptoms of stroke

When to Opt for Express Care
Express care is needed for conditions that require attention sooner than a normal appointment with your doctor but are NOT life-threatening:

• Minor burns, injuries or cuts that may need repaired 
• Sprains and strains
• Coughs, colds, and sore throats
• Ear infections
• Allergic reactions (non life-threatening)
• Fever or flu-like symptoms
• Rash or other skin irritations or infections
• Mild asthma
• Animal bites

When in doubt, call ahead.  If the express care clinic in question can't accommodate your condition, they will advise you to go the nearest emergency facility.