24-Hour Emergency Services: 740-947-2186

When unexpected accidents and problems arise, a visit to the emergency room can be a worrisome experience. The professional staff in the PCH Emergency Department is trained to help patients overcome their fears and uneasiness. Operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, emergency services are staffed by qualified emergency care physicians around the clock.

New emergency facilities at PCH were completed in 2000 and include eight treatment beds, five of which are enclosed for privacy purposes; a central nurses station, triage room, enclosed registration area, large waiting area, and a chapel.

The Emergency Department is supported, also on a 24-hour basis, by Laboratory Services, Diagnostic Imaging Services, and Cardiopulmonary Services. General Surgery, Orthopedics, and Anesthesia Services are available when surgical intervention is needed as part of the emergency care.

While the Emergency Department is able to treat varying degrees of urgent situations, ranging from major illnesses and trauma to minor injuries, the emergency physician may suggest you be transferred to another facility when specialty care is needed. The qualified physicians, nurses, and personnel will make provisions for either life flight services or ground transportation in an emergency ambulance.

Triage

Upon entering the emergency department, and after registering, patients are taken into the triage room. In triage, a nurse will perform an initial evaluation to determine a patient's overall condition before transferring them to a treatment bed. This evaluation allows the physician to be better informed when making treatment decisions.

Visitor Policy in the Emergency Department

The Emergency Department allows one visitor per patient at a time in the treatment area; all other visitors are asked to wait in the waiting area. A nurse, social services representative, or the patient's visitor will be able to keep family and friends updated at all times about the patient's condition. At times, emergency department personnel reserve the right to make exceptions to this policy. This may mean more visitors be allowed at one time or no visitors at all. Cooperation from all parties involved helps physicians and nursing staff in making decisions as rapidly as possible so the patient is treated in a timely manner.

Follow-up Care

Follow-up care and evaluation is always recommended by emergency care physicians after dismissal from the ER. An appointment with a family physician should be made.