Emergency Department Visits

The Acute Care section of the Data Dashboard is comprised of Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Perinatal Outcomes. Click each to learn more.

Opioids

People who experience an overdose may be brought to an emergency department for treatment. These data show emergency department visits in Philadelphia for overdoses from opioids or unspecified substances.

Number of Emergency Department Visits for Overdoses from Opioids or Unspecified Substances, 2016 - 2021 Q3

Key Findings: After peaking in 2018 quarter 3, ED visits have stayed relatively steady, averaging 1,520 visits per quarter in 2021.

ZIP Code of Residence for Emergency Department Visits for Overdoses from Opioids or Unspecified Substances, 2021

Key Findings: In 2021, the highest concentration of people seen in the emergency department for an overdose were from the 19124, 19125, 19134, and 19140 ZIP codes.

Emergency Department Visits for Overdoses by Opioids  or Unknown Substances by Age, 2021

Key Findngs: In 2021, patients between 25-34 years of age made up the highest proportion of ED visits for opioid or unknown substance overdoses.

Emergency Department Visits for Overdoses by Opioids or Unknown Substances by Sex, 2021

Key Findings: In 2021, more males were seen in the emergency department for opioid or unspecified substance overdoses than females.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant that can be snorted, injected, or smoked.  These data show emergency department visits related to cocaine (including crack cocaine) use in Philadelphia.  

Number of Cocaine-Related Emergency Department Visits, 2018 - 2021 Q3

Key Findings: The number of cocaine-related emergency department visits has been increasing since the third quarter of 2020.

ZIP Code of Residence for Cocaine-Related Emergency Department Visits, 2021

Key Findings: In 2021, the highest concentration of emergency department patients receiving treatment related to cocaine use lived in the 19125, 19132, 19134, and 19140 ZIP codes.

Cocaine Related Emergency Department Visits by Age, 2021

Key Findings: In 2021, patients between the ages of 45-54 made up the largest proportion of ED visits related to cocaine use.

Cocaine Related Emergency Department Visits by Sex, 2021

Key Findings: In 2021, more males were seen in the emergency department for cocaine use than females.

Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as K2 or spice, are man-made substances that are sprayed onto dried plant matter (leaves, flowers, resin) and then smoked. These substances are chemically similar to the active ingredient in marijuana called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but are much more unpredictable, leading to serious and sometimes life-threatening effects. The data presented here show the number of emergency department visits in Philadelphia related to the use of synthetic cannabinoids.

Number of Synthetic Cannabinoid (K2) Related Emergency Department Visits, 2018 - 2021 Q3

Key Findings: Synthetic cannabinoid-related emergency department visits peaked in September of 2018.

ZIP Code of Residence for Synthetic Cannabinoid (K2) Related Emergency Department Visits, 2021

Key Findings: In 2021,  the highest concentration of ED visits for synthetic cannabinoids were from people residing in 19125, 19134, 19140, 19132 and 19144 ZIP codes.

Synthetic Cannabinoid (K2) Related Emergency Department Visits by Age, 2021

Key Findings: In 2021, patients between the ages of 25-34 made up the largest proportion of ED visits for synthetic cannabinoids.

Synthetic Cannabinoid (K2) Related Emergency Department Visits by Sex, 2021

Key Findings: In 2021, more males were seen in the emergency department for synthetic cannabinoid use than females.

PCP

Phencyclidine (PCP) is a drug that can lead to hallucinations.  It is often referred to as angel dust or wet. The effects of PCP are unpredictable and can vary greatly by user. These data show the number of emergency department visits related to PCP use in Philadelphia.    

Number of PCP Related Emergency Department Visits, 2018 - 2021 Q3

Key Findings: The number of PCP related emergency department visits have declined since peaking in the first quarter of 2021.

ZIP Code of Residence for PCP-Related Emergency Department Visits, 2021

Key Findings: In 2021, the highest concentration of individuals seeking emergency department treatment for PCP use lived in the 19140, 19134, and 19132 ZIP codes.

PCP Related Emergency Department Visits by Age, 2021

Key Findings: In 2021, patients between the ages of 35-44 made up the largest proportion of ED visits for PCP.

PCP Related Emergency Department Visits by Sex, 2021

Key Findings: In 2021, more males were seen in the emergency department for PCP use than females.