Emergency Room or Appointment? How to Know Where to Go in Whistler

When something feels wrong—whether it is pain, fever, an injury, or something that just “doesn’t feel normal”—it is hard to know whether you should head straight to the Emergency Room or come into a clinic.

At Creekside Health, we want to make that decision easier.
Here is a clear guide to help you understand what truly requires emergency care, and what can be safely managed in our clinic or walk-in.

This applies to adults, teens, kids, visitors, and anyone in the Sea to Sky Corridor.

Download PDF

When You Should Go to the Emergency Room

The ER is the right place for serious, sudden, or potentially life-threatening symptoms.

Breathing Concerns (Adults + Children)

Go to the ER if you or your child experiences:

• Difficulty breathing, gasping, or working hard to breathe

• Breathing faster than normal

• Blue or pale lips/skin

• Asthma symptoms not responding to prescribed inhalers

Fever Concerns

For anyone:

• Fever with confusion, extreme sleepiness, difficulty waking

• Fever with a severe rash (blisters or bruises that do not fade when pressed)

For babies and children (from the PDF): 

Emergency Room vs Appointments-3

• Fever in a baby under 3 months

• Fever lasting more than 5 days

• Fever in a child with an immune condition or chronic health concern

• Fever + child appears very unwell

Vomiting / Gastrointestinal

• Repeated vomiting and unable to keep liquids down

• Vomiting bright green

• Vomiting or diarrhea with large amounts of blood

• Dehydration (no urine for 12+ hrs, dry mouth, dizziness)

• Severe abdominal pain

• Sudden chest or stomach pain after an injury

Injuries

Seek emergency care for:

• Loss of consciousness or confusion

• Significant falls (over 5 feet / 1.5 m)

• Head injuries with concerning symptoms (from the PDF)

• Dislocated or obviously crooked limbs

• Deep cuts that won’t stop bleeding

• Burns with blisters larger than a loonie

• Eye injuries

• Injuries causing chest or abdominal pain

Poisoning

Call Poison Control: 1-800-567-8911.
If they direct you to the ER, go immediately. 

Emergency Room vs Appointments-3

When a Clinic Visit or Walk-In Is the Better Choice

Many common issues do not require an ER visit and can be handled faster in a clinical setting.

Respiratory + Cold Symptoms

• Cough, congestion, runny nose (even if disrupting sleep)

• Mild wheezing that responds to usual inhalers

• Sore throat

• Sinus pressure

Fever (Adults + Children)

• Fever when you otherwise feel well

• Fever with typical cold/flu symptoms

• Fever responding to medication

• Fever in healthy, vaccinated children who appear well 

  Emergency Room vs Appointments-3

Stomach + Digestive

• Mild vomiting or diarrhea

• Ongoing diarrhea after a stomach bug (can last up to 2 weeks)

Minor Injuries

• Mild head bumps with normal behaviour

• Sprains, strains, mild swelling

• Cuts that do not require stitches

• Scrapes, bruises, sunburns

Skin + Allergies

• Mild rashes

• Mild hives that respond to antihistamines

• Recurring skin concerns

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

Choosing the right level of care helps you:

• Avoid long wait times

• Receive faster attention

• Get connected with the right type of care

• Reduce strain on emergency services

In a mountain town with seasonal surges and a high level of adventure-sport injuries, this matters even more.

Creekside Health Walk-In Clinic Is Open to Everyone

Whether you live here, work here, or are visiting Whistler, we offer same-day care for non-emergency concerns.
Our Walk-In Clinic is available to:

• Locals

• Tourists

• Workers on visas

• Families

  Individuals without a family doctor
  
  To keep wait times low and care efficient, all Walk-In visits must be booked online.
  If you need to be seen today, simply check our online system for same-day availability.
  
  At Creekside Health, you can:
  Book a same-day Walk-In appointment for sudden but non-emergency issues
  Book a scheduled appointment for more in-depth or ongoing care
  Get clarity on symptoms and when to monitor vs. escalate

  Still Not Sure?

  If you are uncertain whether symptoms require the ER, you can call:

  • 811 (Nurse Line)

  • Poison Control (for ingestions): 1-800-567-8911

  • Creekside Health for guidance

  You do not have to make these decisions alone.
  We are here to help keep everyone safe, informed, and cared for.

As a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP), Dr. Claire Wilson recommends The Menopause Society’s Guidebook as a trusted starting point for patient education.

If you’d like to better understand your options, or if menopause symptoms are affecting your life, book an appointment at Creekside Health in Whistler. Together, we can help you navigate this transition with clarity and confidence.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For questions about your individual care, please schedule a consultation.

Dr. Claire Wilson, ND, RYT-500