What to Expect in Our ER
You will be cared for by staff trained to respond to any type of medical emergency. We understand a visit to the ER can be a very stressful time; therefore, you should expect us to communicate with you and guide you through your situation. Please ask questions about anything you do not understand.
Patients in the ER are treated according to the severity of their illnesses.
Patient Safety and Quality Care Come First
Our goal is to provide the best care available in the safest possible environment. To make that happen, we:
- Integrate a bedside registration process so treatment is not delayed
- Offer point-of-care (bedside) lab testing, which makes the results of many common tests available in minutes, not hours
- Provide detailed monitoring of critically ill patients
- Use well-lit rooms that are positioned so critical changes in a patient’s condition are easily assessed, which allows us to respond quickly
- Utilize a computerized system that keeps critical medications and supplies readily available
When to Go to the Emergency Room
Call 911 or head to the ER right away if you or a loved one have any of the following symptoms:
- Bleeding that will not stop
- Chest pain and other heart attack symptoms
- Confusion or other change in mental state
- Loss of consciousness
- Possible broken bones
- Seizures
- Serious burns
- Severe allergic reactions, such as severe swelling or trouble swallowing or breathing
- Stroke symptoms, which include sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of your body), confusion, and trouble speaking
- Trouble breathing
- Unable to move an arm or leg
Please note these are examples of life-threatening illnesses or injuries that warrant a trip to the Emergency Department. This is not a complete list of conditions which require emergency attention. If you need immediate medical attention, come to the Emergency Department right away.
Non-Life-Threatening Illnesses & Injuries
When you or a loved one has an injury or illness that is not life-threatening, it can be confusing to know whether it is worth a visit to the ER. The following services can be received through your primary care physician.
- Care for mild illnesses
- Non-urgent medical concerns
- Ongoing care for chronic illness
- Physical exams
FIND A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER
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Expedited Heart Care
The staff at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center is specially equipped to provide quick care to patients who come to us with symptoms of a heart attack.
We earned our accreditation from the American College of Cardiology, meaning we meet or exceed quality of care measures for patients who may be having a heart attack or other cardiac event.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center's emergency department has achieved Level III Trauma Center status through the state of Washington. This means we maintain the staffing and resources necessary for treating most major injuries. We receive patients from smaller Idaho and eastern Washington hospitals that aren't as well-suited to handle severe traumas, and we provide outreach for rural emergency medical service groups.
We provide a range of services for cardiac care for the Lewison, ID area, including:
- Aortic aneurysm (or a balloon-like bulge in the aorta) repair
- Heart surgery, including coronary artery bypass surgery
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), which opens narrowed blood vessels in the heart
- Valve replacement and/or repair
To determine your level of risk for a heart attack, click the button:
HEART HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Expedited Stroke Care
The ER at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center is also specially equipped to provide timely care to stroke patients. St. Joe’s has been recognized by the American Stroke Association for adhering to its highest standards of stroke care.
If you or a loved one shows symptoms of a stroke, you will be met by a team specially trained in identifying and treating strokes.
To determine your level of risk for a stroke, click the button:
STROKE RISK ASSESSMENT
Nationally Recognized ER Care – Right Here in Lewiston, ID
Our goal is to provide you and your loved ones with convenient, high-quality care that is close to home. The national recognition we have earned demonstrates our team’s commitment to providing excellent care. We have been recognized with:
- Acute Coronary Syndrome Care certification from The Joint Commission
- Advanced Primary Stroke Care certification from The Joint Commission
- Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for the treatment of stroke patients
We appreciate you entrusting our Emergency Room with your healthcare needs in the Lewis-Clark Valley.
