Emergency Department
You don’t plan for an emergency, but at Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital, we do. No matter what the situation or time of day, we’re ready to help you or your loved one the moment you walk through our doors.
Our team is specially trained to handle all types of medical emergencies. We evaluate your condition as quickly as possible. But we never forget we treat people, not just illness or injury. We know that you and your loved ones are likely to be nervous and have questions, so we listen to your concerns, keep you informed and offer reassurance and support.
We recognize that while we deal with emergencies every day, you don’t. Our job is to make your visit to the emergency department as smooth and worry-free as possible.
The emergency department treats illnesses and injuries that could be life-threatening or result in serious complications or permanent disability if not treated quickly. These include:
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Changes in vision
- Confusion or changes in mental status
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Difficulty speaking
- Fainting, sudden dizziness or weakness
- Heart attack or severe chest pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Medically necessary detoxification
- Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Severe or unusual abdominal pain
- Stroke, sudden paralysis or slurred speech
- Sudden or severe pain
- Suicidal feelings
If you have these symptoms, call 911 or get to the emergency department as quickly as possible.
It can be helpful to know what to expect when you arrive at the emergency department.
Unless you arrive by ambulance, a registered nurse will evaluate your condition to determine its severity. We try to treat everyone as quickly as possible. However, please realize, we don’t always treat you by your order of arrival. We help those whose condition is most serious first.
Once you are in the treatment area, a doctor will evaluate you and determine whether lab tests, imaging studies or other exams are needed. If they are, there may be a short wait before other staff members perform your test and doctors interpret the results. In all cases, our goal is to treat you as quickly as possible.
Your doctor will inform you of your test results and suggest treatment. If we admit you to the hospital, we’ll move you to a room as soon as possible.
If we don’t admit you, we’ll discharge you with instructions for home care. Our emergency department doctor may follow up with your primary care doctor.
If your child needs emergency care, it can be scary and confusing—for your child and you. Our team is prepared to work with children of all ages and to address their emotional needs as well as their physical needs. Child-size equipment in the department allows us to accurately assess your child’s condition and provide quick treatment.
People who may be involved in your care at the emergency department include:
- Doctors or other providers
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Registration personnel
- Technologists or technicians