The quick answer
- Major trauma, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness or a possible spinal injury need emergency care.
- A same-day assessment may help distinguish a fracture, sprain, wound or other injury.
- Imaging and treatment depend on the clinician's assessment and service availability.
A fall, cut or painful joint can be difficult to judge from appearance alone. Start with emergency warning signs, protect the injured area, then choose a service that can assess what happened.
Injuries Fast Track can assess
These examples are a starting point, not a diagnosis or guarantee of treatment. A clinician decides whether the injury can be safely managed at the clinic.
Sprains and strains
Pain, swelling or limited movement after a twist, fall or sport injury.
Cuts and lacerations
Assessment of the wound, bleeding, cleaning and suitable closure options.
Shoulder and elbow injuries
New pain or reduced movement after a minor accident or strain.
Suspected fractures
Fast Track can assess and image selected injuries when clinically suitable.
Back and neck pain
Non-emergency pain after a minor injury. Warning signs need emergency care.
Knee and joint injuries
Pain, swelling or instability after a twist, fall or impact.
When an injury needs emergency care
Call 000 after a major accident, if someone is unconscious, or if there may be a head, neck or back injury. Heavy bleeding, a visible bone, severe pain, an unusual limb colour or shape, loss of consciousness, chest pain or severe breathing difficulty also need urgent emergency assessment.
Do not move someone who may have a spinal injury unless they are in immediate danger. Do not push a bone back into place or remove an object embedded in a wound.
Suspected fracture or serious sprain
Pain, swelling, bruising, an unusual shape or difficulty moving can occur with a fracture, sprain or other injury. Symptoms alone cannot confirm which one it is. Keep the injured area as still as practical and seek assessment. Healthdirect advises medical attention if you think there may be a fracture.
Fast Track can assess selected suspected fractures. Imaging and treatment depend on the injury, clinical assessment, patient suitability and service availability. Some fractures need hospital or specialist care. Read more about suspected fracture assessment.
Cuts and wounds
For a minor wound, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or bandage, then clean and cover it once bleeding has stopped. Seek prompt assessment for a deep or gaping cut, a wound near the eye or over a joint, a bite, a dirty-water injury, worsening pain or uncertain tetanus protection.
A clinician needs to examine a wound before deciding whether closure is suitable. Options can include dressings, tape, glue, staples or stitches, depending on the wound. No particular method or outcome can be promised online. See the clinic's laceration information.
When urgent care may fit
Urgent care may be an option when an injury needs same-day assessment, does not appear life-threatening and is within the clinic's capabilities. A clinician can assess the injury, arrange suitable imaging or treatment, and explain whether GP, specialist or hospital follow-up is needed.
- No life-threatening warning signs are present.
- The injury needs assessment today.
- The person can travel safely without an ambulance.
- You understand that hospital referral may still be needed.
Still unsure where to go?
Call Fast Track on (07) 2113 8660. The clinic team can explain whether to walk in, see a GP or seek hospital care. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency.
Could Fast Track be suitable today?
Fast Track can assess and treat non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Walk in from 8am to 8pm, Mon to Sun. Our experienced clinicians will assess and tailor a care plan for you.