When patients check into the Emergency Department at any Tower Health hospital, the time of arrival is noted and a medical professional (physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner) strives to see, evaluate and treat them within 30 minutes. Our goal is to be efficient and thorough. We respect everyone's time, but at no means seek to rush anyone through the process.

Please note that the wait time and duration of each visit will vary, depending on the nature of the illness or injury and the unpredictable volume of patients requiring emergency care at any given time.

While the goal is to initially see every patient within 30 minutes of their noted arrival, the most severe cases will always receive immediate attention.

Reasons to Go to the ER

Many medical conditions are considered emergencies because they require rapid, advanced treatments that are only available in a hospital setting.

When should you prioritize medical care and head straight to the ER? The following conditions or symptoms warrant immediate attention by professionals specially trained in emergency medicine:

  • Head or eye injuries
  • Deep cuts
  • High fevers
  • Fevers with rash
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Broken bones and dislocated joints
  • Serious burns
  • Bleeding that won't stop or open wounds
  • Seizures without a previous diagnosis
  • A sudden change in mental state
  • Symptoms of a stroke or cardiac arrest

Wait Time

The Emergency Department (ED) average wait time is provided as an informational service to the public. It is approximate, and based on a rolling average that is updated four times an hour and does not represent the actual current activity in the ER waiting room.

The ED wait time represents the time it takes from arrival until a patient is initially seen by a Clinical Professional (Physician, Physician Assistant, or Advanced Practice Nurse). Patients are triaged upon their arrival in the ED. They are then seen by a Clinical Professional in an order based on their complaint, condition and the reason for their visit.

Should you have any questions about our commitment, please ask any of our Emergency Department staff.