When I worked in a seniors’ residence, one of the most useful things I learned was simply who to call. Not every ache is an emergency, and not every worry can wait until Monday. Most provinces have a free nurse line you can reach any time, day or night, by dialling 811. Most people have never used it.
This page exists because EaseMove sells comfort products, not medical care. Our guides on compression socks, knee pain and lower back pain each tell you when to stop reading and call someone. This is the “who” and the “how”. Please also read our health disclaimer.
Call 911 or go to the emergency department right now
Don’t call 811, don’t search online, don’t order anything. Go.
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness, especially with shortness of breath, sweating or nausea
- Sudden weakness, numbness or drooping on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- A serious fall, car accident or head injury
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- One calf that is suddenly swollen, painful, warm or red, especially after a long flight, drive or period of bed rest
- Back pain with numbness around the groin, weakness in the legs, or trouble controlling your bladder or bowel
- A knee or other joint that is hot, red and swollen with a fever
This list is not complete. If you think it might be an emergency, treat it as one.
Call 811 (the nurse line)
811 connects you to a registered nurse, free, in most provinces 24 hours a day. They will ask about your symptoms and tell you whether to look after it at home, see a pharmacist, book a clinic visit, or go to the emergency department. Nobody will think you’re wasting their time; that’s exactly what the line is for.
Good reasons to call:
- A symptom that’s new, or has been getting worse over a few days, and you don’t know what to make of it
- Swelling, pain or numbness in a leg, knee or back that isn’t an emergency but is worrying you
- You’re not sure whether a product like compression socks or a brace is safe for you, given a condition you have (diabetes, circulation problems, heart disease, pregnancy)
- You have a medication question outside pharmacy hours
- It’s 2 a.m., you’re a parent, and you’d like to hear a calm voice tell you what to do
Ask your pharmacist
For most everyday questions, your pharmacist is the fastest professional you’ll reach, no appointment needed:
- Which compression level or brace type suits you, and whether you need a prescription for it
- Whether a product is safe with your medications or conditions
- Over-the-counter pain relief and how to use it
- Whether what you’re describing sounds like something to see a doctor about
Book a visit
See your doctor, nurse practitioner or a physiotherapist when:
- Pain has lasted more than two or three weeks despite taking care of it
- It keeps coming back
- It’s stopping you from working, sleeping or doing what you need to do
- You’d like a proper diagnosis before you spend money on products
In most provinces you can see a physiotherapist without a referral.
811 by province and territory
The number is the same almost everywhere; the name of the service changes. If 811 doesn’t connect from your phone (some VoIP and out-of-province cell plans), use the toll-free number for your province.
| Province / territory | Service name | How to reach it |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | HealthLink BC | 811 |
| Alberta | Health Link | 811 |
| Saskatchewan | HealthLine | 811 · 1-877-800-0002 |
| Manitoba | Health Links – Info Santé | 811 (being rolled out) · 204-788-8200 · 1-888-315-9257 |
| Ontario | Health811 | 811 |
| Quebec | Info-Santé / Info-Social | 811 |
| New Brunswick | Tele-Care | 811 |
| Nova Scotia | 811 | 811 |
| Prince Edward Island | 811 HealthLine | 811 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 811 HealthLine | 811 · 1-888-709-2929 |
| Yukon | Yukon HealthLine | 811 |
| Northwest Territories | NWT 811 Health Advice Line | 811 · 1-844-259-1793 |
| Nunavut | Health Links (Manitoba, serving Nunavut) | 1-888-315-9257, or your community health centre |
Each name links to the official provincial page. [OFFICIAL LINKS TO INSERT — see production notes.]
Most lines offer service in English and French, and many offer interpretation in other languages on request. Call 911 for emergencies everywhere in Canada.
The short version
- Might be an emergency? 911.
- Worried and not sure? 811.
- A product or medication question? Your pharmacist.
- Been going on for weeks? Book a visit.
- Just tired legs, a sore knee or a stiff back after a long shift? Our guides can help, starting with Standing all day? What you actually need.
This page is provided for information only and does not replace professional medical advice or emergency services. Please read our health disclaimer. Service names and numbers change; last verified September 2026.