Should I Go to the ER?

Should I Go to the ER? is a calm, clear symptom guide written by a Registered Nurse Navigator to help you decide what to do when you’re worried about a symptom—without spiraling into fear or endless Googling.

Inside you’ll find easy Red / Yellow / Green guidance, common symptom red flags, and a simple ER prep checklist so you feel confident and prepared.

You’ll learn:

When to go to the ER immediately (Red Zone)

When to use urgent care or call your provider (Yellow Zone)

When it’s likely safe to monitor at home (Green Zone)

Red flags for chest pain, shortness of breath, headaches, and abdominal pain

A supportive section on health anxiety & medical fear

An ER preparation checklist + what to say at triage

Format: Digital PDF (US Letter, printable + mobile-friendly)

Perfect for: Adults, caregivers, parents, and anyone who wants clear, nurse-guided direction in stressful moments.

Important: For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. If you think you’re having an emergency, call 911.