EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

845.794.3300 Extension 2245

The Emergency Department at Catskill Regional Medical Center has all the resources that only a hospital can provide to handle all types of emergencies - large and small.

Emergent Care

Emergent care means the absence of medical attention will result in a threat to the person's life, limb, or sight.

• Trauma
• Heart Attacks
• Strokes
• Pediatric Emergencies
• Critical Illnesses

Heart attack and stroke victims should be brought to the Emergency Department (ED) where lifesaving thrombolytic drugs can be administered as needed. These drugs are not available at urgent care centers.

Trauma patients are given special care to provide stabilization by the trained ED Trauma Team. Transportation to a Level 1 Trauma Center is provided by critical care helicopter or by Advanced Life Support ground service if necessary. (The time factor is especially critical when dealing with trauma patients.)

Fast Track

Patients with non-life threatening problems that can be rapidly diagnosed and treated are placed on the Fast Track.

• Minor Injuries
• Lacerations
• Sprains
• Fractures
• Upper Respiratory Infections

Our specially trained ED staff is dedicated to their fast and efficient treatment to minimize ED wait time.

CRMC's Emergency Department Advantages:

• 24/7/365 Service
  The ED is open 24 hours everyday, including holidays.
• Board Certified Physicians
• Physicians specially trained in ED treatment ensure the best care possible.
• Emergency Department Information Manager (EDIM)
  Our high-tech electronic patient tracking and medical records system expedites the emergency room process. Each phase of a patient's treatment is tracked throughout their stay in the Emergency Department to provide up-to-the-minute medical information for efficient and effective care.
• When the decision is made to admit a patient, the Emergency Department processes the admission to eliminate prolonged waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will I see first at the Emergency Department?

The first person you will see in the Emergency Department is the "Triage Nurse". This nurse will check your vital signs including temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. The nurse will then ask you questions about why you have come to the Emergency Department, your medical history, any medications you are taking and the name of your regular doctor.

How do I register?

Unless you need to be treated right away, the triage nurse will direct you to a registration area. You will be asked basic information such as your name, age, address and telephone number. From the registration area, you may be directed to the waiting room.

Why do I have to wait while others go right in?

Patients are not necessarily treated in the order of arrival. In the Emergency Department, the sickest patients are treated first. If your illness or injury is not a life or limb threatening condition, you may be asked to wait in the waiting room until your name is called. Another reason others may go in before you is to be seen in our "Fast Track" area.

Why do I have to wait so long sometimes?

We know that waiting is a concern. There are many reasons why a trip to the Emergency Department can take longer than a doctor's office visit. Unlike a doctor's office where appointments are spread out, many emergency patients may arrive at the same time. Our staff will keep you informed of the wait time. Reasons for waiting may include:

• More tests are being run on patients whose illness or injury is serious enough to be admitted to the hospital.
• Your own test results are being completed.

What about visitors?

We understand the importance of having a family member present with you while you are being treated. However, in order to provide patients with the best medical care and to maintain the privacy of other patients, the staff of the Emergency Department reserves the right to decide the number of visitors present in the department. There may be times when a critical patient needs to have several staff members at the bedside. The staff may ask surrounding visitors to wait in the waiting room. Your cooperation in complying with this request is appreciated.

What happens at discharge?

After your evaluation and examination is complete and the doctor, Physician's Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) has decided you may be discharged, you will be given a copy of discharge instructions. If you are required to take medication after you leave the Emergency Department, the Physician, PA or NP will provide a prescription for that medication. If you need a note for school or work, please ask for it at this time.

What about billing?

You will receive at least two bills for your Emergency Department visit - a bill for services from Catskill Regional Medical Center and a bill for the services of the Physician, Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. You may also receive bills for additional services such as X-rays, EKGs or lab work. Emergency service will be provided regardless of the patient's ability to pay.