Anyone can have a medical emergency. If the injury or illness is life-threatening, call 911 or go to the closest hospital emergency department. Do not drive a car if you are having a life-threatening medical emergency. Call 911 for an ambulance. Medics can start treatment on the way to the hospital.
What is emergency care?
Emergency care is needed when you have a life-threatening medical problem that requires immediate attention. Emergency departments are open all day every day to treat illness and injury such as:
- Bleeding that will not stop
- Breathing problems
- Change in mental status (unusual behavior, confusion)
- Chest pain
- Choking
- Coughing up blood
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Feeling like harming yourself or someone else
- Head or spine injury
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Sudden injury such as a car accident, burns or smoke inhalation, near drowning, deep or large wound, etc.
- Sudden, severe pain anywhere in your body
- Sudden dizziness, weakness or change in your vision
- Swallowing a poisonous substance
- Upper abdominal pain or pressure
If you experience any of these problems, call 911 immediately.
Where to go for care
Frequently Asked Questions
Your wait time depends on the severity of your condition and on the availability of treatment space and providers. We may start care while you are waiting. You will be assessed by a triage nurse and if needed, we may start certain tests. Our team is here to support you while you wait.
We see patients based on the urgency of medical conditions. This means that patients with more severe conditions will be seen before you, even if you got here first. The urgency of your medical condition is assessed by a triage nurse after you are registered.
If I came by ambulance, would I be seen sooner?
All patients, including those who arrive by ambulance, are triaged (assessed) when they arrive. Even patients that arrive by ambulance may need to wait to see a provider based on their medical condition and availability of treatment space.
Emergency departments are busy and many have limited space to see patients. Our goal is to have you seen by a provider as soon as possible. This means you may have to be see in an alternative space such as a hallway or expansion area. If a private room becomes available, and we feel it is needed for your care, we will move you. No matter where we treat you, our care team is here to provide the same high quality care.
If you are uncomfortable while you wait, please speak with the triage nurse or greeter. We may be able to offer items to comfort you such as a warm blanket, ice pack, or ice chips. Please do not eat or drink anything before speaking with a nurse or other provider.
We ask that you do not eat or drink anything while you wait in the waiting room. You may need tests or procedures that require you not to eat or drink beforehand.
For safety reasons, we ask you to please stay in the waiting area. This way we can quickly find you when a treatment space becomes available or we can be aware if your condition worsens.
We know how important it is to have your loved one with you during an emergency. If there is space, we may allow visitors to stay with the patient in the waiting room. If space is limited, we may ask visitors to wait outside or elsewhere. If you are waiting for a patient, keep your cell phone available so the patient or care team may call with updates.
