The Right Care, Right When You Need It
Summer in the Berkshires with its picture-perfect mountain ranges and crisp lakes is a perfect time to get outside, stay active, and enjoy everything the season has to offer, but with longer days and more activity also comes the occasional bump, burn, bite, fall, or unexpected illness. Knowing where to go for care can help you feel confident, save time, and get the right treatment when you need it most.
From a twisted ankle during a summer league game to a sunburn after a long day on the water, or even an upset stomach from a picnic dish that didn’t sit quite right, many common summer issues are easy to treat when you choose the right place for care.
Everyday Summer Health Concerns
During the summer months, it’s common to experience:
- Minor injuries like cuts, sprains, insect bites, or tick exposures
- Sunburn and heat-related illness
- Respiratory or stomach symptoms, especially when traveling
Most of these situations can be treated quickly and effectively, but where you go matters.
-
Dr. Adam Gicewicz
BHS Pediatrician
“We get a lot of questions from parents about tick bites as parents are very nervous about associated tick-borne diseases. Prevention is the key to protecting children from insect bites of all kinds.”
Berkshire Health Program, PCTV, “Dr. Adam Gicewicz, Lyme Disease”
When to Choose Urgent Care
Urgent care is a great option when you need care quickly but don’t require hospital-level services. It’s designed for minor illnesses and injuries and often offers convenient access, including evenings and weekends.
Examples include:
- Minor cuts, bruises, or wounds
- Cold, flu, sore throat, or earache
- Rashes, poison ivy, or insect bites
- Eye complaints
- Nausea, vomiting, or urinary tract infections
- Simple fractures, sprains, or sports injuries
- Minor burns
BHS Urgent care centers have on-site X-rays and lab services, making it easy to get answers and treatment in a single visit.
With locations in Pittsfield, Lenox, and Williamstown, Berkshire Urgent Care provides our patients with convenient access to care for minor illnesses and injuries. Find the care that fits your summer vibe.
When It’s an Emergency
Our Emergency departments are equipped to handle serious, time-sensitive conditions, anytime of day or night. Our Emergency Departments are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that can quickly diagnose stroke, heart attack, and other life-threatening conditions. We also offer emergency behavioral health services and opioid overdose prevention.
Go to the ER immediately or call 911 if you experience:
- Chest pain or signs of a heart attack
- Trouble breathing or loss of consciousness
- Signs of stroke, such as sudden weakness or numbness, or seizures
- Severe injuries, head trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe allergic reactions, poisoning, or overdose
- Broken bones
- Major burns
If symptoms are severe, sudden, or worsening, emergency care is the safest choice.
BHS provides around-the-clock emergency care in Berkshire County at Berkshire Medical Center, Fairview Hospital, and North Adams Regional Hospital. No matter which Emergency Department you visit, you will have access to the care they need, whether onsite or through a seamless transfer to a facility with more advanced emergency services.
Don’t Forget Primary Care
Your primary care provider plays an important role in your overall health, helping manage chronic conditions, diagnose new concerns, and prevent issues before they become serious.
For symptoms that develop gradually or don’t have an obvious cause, starting with primary care can help ensure you get the right diagnosis and follow-up treatment.
The Right Care, Right When You Need It
Getting the right care at the right time helps you recover faster, avoid unnecessary delays, and stay focused on enjoying your summer. Whether it’s a quick visit to urgent care or immediate emergency treatment, knowing your options ensures you receive care in the setting best equipped to help you.
Need Help Deciding?
If you’re unsure where to go, you don’t have to figure it out alone. The BHS Nurse Line (855-855-2000) connects you with a registered nurse who can guide you to the most appropriate level of care.
Quick Decision Guide: Where Should I Go for Care?
| EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT (CALL 911 OR GO NOW) | URGENT CARE | PRIMARY CARE |
| Life-threatening or severe symptoms | Same-day care when it’s not life-threatening | Routine, preventive, or ongoing care |
| Chest pain or signs of a heart attack | Minor cuts, bruises, or wounds | Annuals, Check-ups, and screenings |
| Trouble breathing or loss of consciousness | Cold, flu, sore throat, or earache | Chronic condition management |
| Signs of stroke (sudden weakness, numbness, confusion) or seizures | Rashes, poison ivy, or insect bites | Mild or gradually developing symptoms |
| Severe injury, head trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding | Eye complaints (pink eye, conjunctivitis) | Follow-up care |
| Severe allergic reactions, poisoning, or overdose | Nausea, vomiting, or urinary symptoms | |
| Broken Bones | Simple fractures, sprains, or sports injuries | |
| Major Burns | Minor Burns |