Emergency Services

Service/Responsibilities

The Emergency Department delivers care to patients of all ages from the mildly acutely ill to the severely injured patient. The most common diagnoses include cardiac related illness, respiratory complications, traumatic injuries, fractures, medical emergencies in the area of orthopaedics, gynecology, neurology, urology and pediatrics, drug overdoses, family violence and other general illnesses.

Technology

All acute rooms are monitored at both the bedside and through a central monitor at the nurse’s station. The ED opened a brand-new unit in 2001 with  state-of-the-art equipment. We utilize an electronic tracking system called the “Expeditor” to monitor the patient’s progress during their visit.

Beds 

Our department is divided into 4 services areas: Acute Care, Medical, Trauma, and Fast Track. There are eight acute care and medical beds, six trauma beds (one of which is designed for care of behavioral health patients), and 11 fast tracks beds. Fast Track is open from 9AM-11PM and is designed to handle non life-threatening emergencies. All rooms are private except for two of the trauma rooms. There is also a decontamination area to handle any exposure to hazardous material.

Staffing

The Emergency Department has an average daily census of 176 patients. Staffing is based on historical volumes and by peaks in census. Staffing during peak times includes 12 RN’s and eight ED Technicians.

Training/Continuing Education

All employees are oriented based on their individual need and experiences. Nurses without ED experience generally require 8 to 12 weeks orientation. We utilize both a preceptor and mentoring program to acclimate the new employee to our department. All nurses are required to ACLS, ENPC, and TNCC courses. Staff members are trained on HAZ-MAT situations, as well as, caring for the victims of sexual assault.