In the Emergency Department, we treat illnesses and injuries that could be life-threatening, including:

• Bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Confusion or changes in mental status
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Difficulty speaking
• Fainting, sudden dizziness or weakness
• Heart attack or severe chest pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Severe or unusual abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Stroke, sudden paralysis or slurred speech
• Sudden or severe pain
• Suicidal feelings
• Vision changes

If you have these symptoms, call 911 immediately or go to the closest emergency department.

In the emergency department, we strive to see you as quickly as possible. However, we don’t necessarily treat you on a first-come, first-served basis. We help the most severely ill or injured people first.

We evaluate your condition when you arrive to determine how quickly you need treatment. Be as clear and specific as possible about your symptoms.

If you have lab tests or imaging studies, it may take some time to get your results to your doctor to help them make a diagnosis and treatment plan.

If we admit you to the hospital, we’ll move you to a room as soon as possible. When you return home, we will give you instructions for home or follow-up care.

When possible, it’s helpful to bring the following with you to the emergency department:

• A list of allergies to medications and food
• A list of all medications you take — including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies — along with your dosages and how often you take them
• Immunization records
• Medical and surgical history