Emergency Room

Faster - Kinder - Better ER

Patients come to the Emergency Department for one simple reason: to see a doctor.

During our busiest time — 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week — patients in our Emergency Department tell their problems directly to a physician — usually within 20 to 30 minutes. Our “Physicians in Triage” program means a physician is directly assessing patient needs and providing treatment right away, for major and minor emergencies. We have also created an Express Care Team who focuses on treatment of ER patients who require only minor procedures, freeing other doctors to treat more acute cases and expediting treatment for minor cases.

St. Louis Children's Hospital at Missouri Baptist

Because childhood emergencies should not wait, we’ve brought one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals to west St. Louis County. In partnership with St. Louis Children’s Hospital, we’ve opened a full-size ER just for kids, with nine beds plus six more for longer term, in-patient care. Every room has a bright, nautical theme to put your child -- and you -- more at ease. Washington University pediatricians and specially trained pediatric nurses staff this special unit.

Emergency "Tip of the Day"

Consult with doctor before travel

The most important advance planning “to do” before any extended trip is a conversation with your primary care physician six to eight weeks prior to departure. Discuss pre-existing medical conditions, medications for self-treatment, your risk of blood clots during air travel, and vaccinations.

Top travel injuries

Think before trying risky activities while away from home:
1. Motorcycle and auto accidents are the most common cause of death for travelers
2. Violence, especially street crimes in poor nations, is the second
3. Drowning is the third most common injury

Mind Your Meds

When you go to the ER, always bring a list of your prescription medications, or bring your medications with you. Also be prepared to list your immunizations and any known allergies.

Every second counts

In the case of heart attack or stroke, seeking immediate medical attention can mean the difference between making a full recovery and becoming permanently impaired. Don’t’ wait, call 9-11 if you think are having a heart attack or stroke.

If your child needs emergency care

1. Know child’s medical history, immunizations, medications and allergies
2. Bring favorite toy or blanket to help comfort your child
3. Have another adult stay home with siblings
4. Do not allow child to eat or drink anything on the way to the ER

Enjoy a healthy vacation

Match your trip to your daily activity level
Anticipate medications and immunizations needed well in advance
Watch the altitude – consider a short trek in the U.S. at a similar altitude
Bring a first-aid kit

Air travel and blood clots

Blood clots can develop in the legs during long flights due to sitting and dehydration. Try these tips:

Drink plenty of water in-flight; avoid alcohol
Wear graded compression stockings or support hose
Move about during the flight and do ankle exercises

Avoid jet lag

Jet lag is often a concern for distance travelers; their internal clock hasn’t reset to the new environment. Getting seven to eight hours rest a night and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and large meals during flight can help reduce the effects of jet lag.

A-fib and Stroke

A-fib is the most frequent cardiac arrhythmia and the leading cause of stroke among people over 65. During A-fib, the heart’s two small upper chambers (the atria) quiver rather than beat effectively, which may form in a blood clot and cause a stroke.

Are you a stress eater?

Many people eat to relieve stress. Here are some tips to help avoid that weight gain:

Recommit to daily exercise
Eat a meal prior to parties
Take at least 20 minutes to eat your food
Drink several glasses of water before you eat

Before the Buffet

To avoid weight gain, here are some ideas to use the next time you’re invited to a buffet dinner:
1. Change your priority from going to eat, to seeing friends or family
2. Use a smaller plate
3. Go through the line only once

Diet and disease

Many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, can be linked to poor dietary choices. Registered dietitians suggest eating a variety of nutrient dense foods, low in saturated fats and sugars.