Only call 911 during a real emergency. Our healthcare and emergency response systems continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kern continues to experience high volumes of 911 calls that are taxing our entire emergency response system. When you should go to urgent care: COVID testing, Conditions that are not life threatening but require immediate care, Sprains, Sore throat, Cough without severe shortness of breath, Urinary Tract Infections, Mild asthma, Rash without fever, Broken bones of the wrist, hand, ankle, or foot that have no obvious need to reset and have not broken the skin. When you should go to the Emergency Room: broken bones and dislocated joints that need to be set or have broken the skin deep cuts that require stitches - especially in the face, head or eye injuries, Severe flu or cold symptoms, High fevers, Fevers with rash, Fevers in infants, Fainting or loss of consciousness, Severe pain - particularly in the abdomen or starting halfway down the back, bleeding that won't stop or a large open wound, Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy, Repeated vomiting, Serious burns, Seizures without a previous diagnosis of epilepsy. When you should call 911: Any symptoms of a heart attack, including chest pain, pain the left arm or the jaw, Sudden weakness or dizziness, Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. Signs of stroke such as: slurred speech, severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the face or body, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, or sudden change to mental state. Life or limb threatening injury. For any other health concerns, contact your medical provider.