Medical emergencies can be scary, and you may not know exactly what to do in the moment. Should you call 911? Is there an emergency room close to where you live? And is this really an emergency?
You can get emergency care right in your own neighborhood at South Shore Hospital. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our emergency room and expert team are here to care for you or your loved one in emergency situations.
Put your mind at ease knowing that lifesaving care is just around the corner.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. For non-emergency questions about our ER, please call 773-356-5000 to speak with someone from the South Shore Hospital team.
When Should Someone Receive Emergency Care?
Call 911 when someone:
- Is not breathing
- Is choking
- Is experiencing intense chest pressure or pain
- Has been severely burned
- Had a seizure lasting 3 to 5 minutes
- Has experienced an injury to their spine or neck
- Has experienced a head injury (especially if confused, fainting, or passed out)
- Has been struck by lightning or experienced a severe electrical shock

Experienced Doctors
Complete primary care services, from routine check-ups and preventive care at five affiliated neighborhood clinics and affiliated physicians.
Friendly Staff
Excellent and personable physicians, nurses, and professional staff. Transportation Services for seniors and disabled patients at affiliated clinics and the hospital.

Conditions We Treat in Emergency Care
South Shore Emergency Care provides support for a range of medical emergencies.
This includes care for:
- Allergic Reaction (trouble breathing, hives, swelling)
- Broken bones or dislocated joints
- Chest pain / difficulty breathing
- Concussion / head injury
- Coughing or vomiting up blood
- Deep wounds
- Dizziness or weakness that doesn’t go away
- Heavy bleeding
- High fever with a rash, headache / stiff neck or that is not getting better with medication
- Passing out, fainting
- Pain in arm or jaw
- Unusual or bad headache
- Poisoning or overdose of drug or alcohol
- Seizures
- Serious burns
- Sudden confusion
- Suicidal thoughts
- Trouble breathing
Connected Care Throughout South Shore Hospital
Care during an emergency doesn’t always end when you leave Emergency Services. You may need further tests, follow-up care, or resources for your transition home.
That’s why our South Shore team of nurses, doctors, social workers, and specialists work together to make sure you get the care you need — even when you leave Emergency Services.
Together, we’ll help you during any medical emergencies and after.
ER And COVID-19 — Signs That Your Symptoms Need Emergency Treatment
Get emergency care right away if you:
- Have difficulty breathing
- Have chest pain or pressure that doesn’t go away
- Are confused
- Can’t wake up or stay awake
- Have lips, skin, or nails that are gray, pale, or blue in color (based on skin tone)
Our Emergency Medicine (ER) Services are open 24/7. If you or your loved one is experiencing an emergency, visit South Shore Hospital at 8012 S Crandon Ave, Chicago, IL 60617 or dial 911.
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