Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/936603
When an Emergency Strikes, You can't choose whether or not an emergency happens, but you do have some say in where you go to receive care. The most important thing you can do is call 911 if you have a life-threatening emergency. Once you are in the ambulance, however, you may request to be taken to a specic emergency department (ED). If you are able to choose, where should you request? Two of the most prominent options for emergency care are freestanding and hospital-based emergency departments. Both types operate around the clock, are staed by specially trained nurses and doctors, can perform diagnostic testing, and are capable of caring for a wide variety of emergencies. "Both freestanding and hospital-based emergency departments have their place in emergency services," said Paul Goen, M.D., emergency department medical director at CHI St. Joseph Health. "However, two major factors may make one better than the other for a particular patient: convenience and capabilities." GREATER CONVENIENCE Freestanding emergency departments have shorter wait times because, in general, their patient base isn't as sick and they do not receive as much, if any, ambulance trac. "The appeal of freestanding emergency departments is their shorter wait times," Dr. Goen said. "Hospital-based emergency departments may have longer waits due to a large volume of patients from the hospital and EMS trac coming through the backdoor." MORE CAPABILITIES Patients in a hospital-based ED enjoy the benet of having access to far more services and expertise than a freestanding ED could provide on its own. "Hospital-based emergency departments have much easier access to operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, labor and delivery suites, and other services that a freestanding department wouldn't have," Dr. Goen said. "This makes hospital- based emergency departments ideal for those with multiple medical complications or who have severe, life-threatening emergencies." For this reason, a hospital-based ED may be the best option for people who are unsure about which facility they should use. The added capabilities and expertise in the nearby hospital can act as a safety net for those who may wind up needing theseoerings. Where Should You Go? Emergency Care Where You Need It CHI St. Joseph Health is proud to offer both freestanding and hospital-based emergency care in locations throughout the Brazos Valley. It's important for the community to be familiar with the emergency care options that are out there. By doing a little homework, they'll be able to select the model that's most appropriate for treating their emergent issues. Regional Hospital (Bryan) Grimes Hospital Burleson Hospital Madison Hospital Bellville Hospital South College Station Emergency Center To learn more about CHI St. Joseph Health emergency facilities, visit ER.CHIStJosephHealth.org. 14 CHI ST. JOSEPH HEALTH /// CHIStJoseph.org