It's a common instinct, especially for anyone unfamiliar with the Italian healthcare system: when something feels wrong, we wait, ask someone for advice first, hope it will pass on its own. That's understandable — the language, the paperwork, the wait times can all feel intimidating. But for certain situations, waiting is the riskiest thing you can do.

Go to the ER right away if you notice

If you or someone near you experiences any of the following, don't wait to "see if it passes":

  • Severe chest pain or pressure, especially with cold sweat, arm numbness or shortness of breath;
  • Sudden slurred speech, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, drooping face (classic warning signs of a stroke);
  • Severe difficulty breathing, struggling to speak in full sentences;
  • Loss of consciousness or sudden fainting;
  • Heavy bleeding or a deep wound that won't stop;
  • High fever with a stiff neck, severe headache or confusion;
  • Sudden, very intense abdominal pain;
  • Severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing;
  • Head injury after a fall, especially with vomiting or excessive drowsiness.

In any of these cases, call 112 (the Italian emergency number) or go straight to the nearest Emergency Room. You don't need an appointment, and you won't be turned away for not knowing how the system works — that's exactly what the ER is there for.

Some conditions get worse fast. The hour or two spent waiting "to see if it passes" can be the difference that matters most.

Not everything needs the ER

At the same time, the Emergency Room isn't meant for every discomfort. A common fever, a cough, a minor injury, or a routine check on a known chronic condition usually means a long wait — Italian ERs triage by severity, not by arrival order, and using it for non-urgent issues also takes resources away from people who need immediate care.

For these situations, it makes more sense to see:

  • Your family doctor (Medico di Base);
  • The Guardia Medica, for non-urgent issues outside regular hours;
  • A clinic like UDUN Studio Medico, where you can be seen with more predictable waiting times.

The simple rule

The rule of thumb is straightforward: if you suspect it could be life-threatening, go to the ER or call 112 immediately; if you want to understand something that's been bothering you for a while, come talk to us first.

Never delay a real emergency out of a wish not to "bother anyone" — that's not a bother, that's taking care of yourself.