Emergency Care

If you aren't sure whether your issue is an emergency, contact your primary care provider for guidance. They can recommend whether you should visit a FirstHealth hospital, Convenient Care clinic or use our virtual care option, FirstHealth On the Go.

If your symptoms are life-threatening or you can't reach your primary care provider, come to the emergency department. If your symptoms include chest pain or other conditions that would make driving hazardous, call 911. Emergency Medical Services professionals can start treatment while you are on the way to a FirstHealth facility.

The speed with which you receive care depends on many factors, including how serious your symptoms are, the hospital you visit and how busy our emergency departments are at that time. FirstHealth treats the most severe illnesses and issues first. For example, someone dealing with a heart attack or stroke will be seen before someone with a minor injury or illness.

Our emergency department providers and care teams will assess your symptoms, recommend necessary tests and treatments and then discuss the next steps of your care plan, which could include things like surgery, follow-up care with a specialist or a check-in with your primary care provider.

FirstHealth respects and supports each patient’s right to have an approved patient designee/support person. One patient designee/support person is allowed while being cared for in any FirstHealth hospital. Every effort will be made to accommodate a patient’s support person. This is done in hopes of providing support and comfort to the patient. Please be aware that the patient or support person designated by the patient has the right to allow or deny visitation.