I got a call from someone asking me what to do. She hurt her foot and thought it could be broken. Where do I go? The hospital? A Clinic? I've been in Emergency and it's a very busy place with very long wait times. She could walk but it really hurt. It was slightly swollen but no bruising has shown yet.
I said "call 811". 811 is our British Columbia provincial nurse's telephone line. You call when you need medical advice. She called and was put in "triage". Then a nurse came on the phone and asked a few questions. She said "a doctor will call within the hour". Sure enough a Zoom Dr. called. He asked a few questions, she showed him her foot. He said "ice it, if the swelling gets worse, go to ER for x-rays". Hopefully it's just a sprain, but she stayed at home and didn't have to sit in an ER waiting room for hours! Hopefully it is just a sprain.
It's great to know they would pass you on to a doctor!
8-1-1 is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia. The 8-1-1 phone line is operated by HealthLink BC, which is part of the Ministry of Health. By calling 8-1-1, you can speak to a health service navigator, who can help you find health information and services; or connect you directly with a registered nurse, a registered dietitian, a qualified exercise professional, or a pharmacist.
