Published on 15 July 2026
The question everyone asks
It is 10 PM and your child has a fever. Saturday morning, you twisted your ankle. Sunday, you have a strange pain in your chest. Each time, the same question: do I go to the ER or wait until Monday to see my doctor?
In Belgium, emergency departments are overcrowded, partly because many people visit for issues that could be handled by a GP. This is not a criticism — it is a lack of information.
When to go to the emergency room
The ER is for life-threatening situations or those requiring immediate care:
- Intense chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop
- Suspected stroke (drooping face, weak arm, speech difficulties)
- Serious trauma (car accident, major fall)
- Severe allergic reaction
When to see your GP or the on-call service
- Moderate fever (even in children, except infants under 3 months)
- Sprain or muscle pain without visible deformity
- Urinary tract infection
- Sore throat, cough, lingering cold
- Moderate abdominal pain
On-call medical services in Belgium
Outside office hours, call 1733 (medical on-call number). A doctor can see you in the evening or on weekends without going through the ER.
The right reflex
When in doubt, call first. 1733 for on-call services, 112 for real emergencies. A professional will guide you.
How Dokia helps
Our AI assistant can help you assess your symptoms and indicate the likely urgency level. It is not a diagnosis, but a useful first filter for making the right decision.