Why The ER?

A third of respondents nationwide said that they had received health care in the emergency room of a hospital in the past two years. Of those:

Purpose of most recent ER visit

Treatment for a major health problem (like a broken bone, cut or high fever) 40%
Some other reason 36%
Treatment for a minor health problem (like a sprain or toothache) 23%

Reason for choosing the ER

Other facilities were not open or patient could not get an appointment 28%
Brought to the emergency room by an ambulance 18%
Felt the emergency room was the only place that would treat them 16%
Some other reason 12%
Other facilities did not have the necessary staff or equipment 11%
Might need to be admitted to the hospital overnight 11%
Other facilities were too far away 3%