Urgent care – or emergency care? Both of them sound super serious if you ask me, so it’s definitely going to be in your interest to get to the right place for health care as soon as possible.

A Florida-based healthcare service knows this and has provided convenient and amusing roadside billboards for people’s information, so their emergency rooms don’t get clogged up with people seeking treatment for minor health issues such as bee stings.

Image credits: TheRussMartinShow

BayCare describes itself as a “leading not-for-profit health care organization that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 15 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions.”

Like any medical service, they recommend that you visit your primary care provider for an acute illness or injury that is not life-threatening. Which I guess means your doctor. But what if it’s the weekend, after hours or you just can’t wait for an appointment?

People weren’t quite sure who to call.

Image credits: TheRussMartinShow

So BayCare got together with New York-based creative communications and advetising agency DeVito/Verdi to try to solve the problem. “BayCare needed an ad campaign for both its Emergency Care services and its Urgent Care services,” DeVito/Verdi writes.

“However, consumers were getting the two confused, so we created a campaign that would both differentiate the services and raise their profile.”

Image credits: TheRussMartinShow

With some simple graphics and a touch of humor, they have succeeded in doing just that! The clever ads have gotten a positive reaction, and people are talking about them, which is, of course, the whole point.

But what if you’re still not sure what to do? Well, let’s allow BayCare to explain in a little more detail. “ER is appropriate for any life-threatening illness or injury,” they write. “If you are experiencing chest pain, fainting, loss of vision, shortness of breath, or severe abdominal pain, then the ER is the correct choice.”

“These facilities are open 24/7 and have all the capabilities to handle any type of medical situation.”

“If in doubt, choosing an ER is usually best.”

“Calling 911 for chest pain, difficulty breathing or other potentially life-threatening issues is recommended. At the ER you may experience a wait time before seeing the provider. You will usually have a higher out of pocket cost with your health insurance compared to an urgent care facility.”

Image credits: TheRussMartinShow

“Urgent care is the perfect option for more minor illness and injury.”

“Examples would be upper respiratory conditions, urinary tract infections, nausea/vomiting, lacerations, and sprains. These facilities are open evenings and weekends. They are able to repair lacerations and remove foreign bodies.”

“You will typically receive care quicker and at a lower cost than at an ER.”

So there you go. Pretty clear now isn’t it? Now, fingers crossed we never have to avail ourselves of these services!

Here’s what people had to say about the creative and funny signs

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