Emergency Care
Don't Delay Getting the Care You Need
If you are experiencing serious illness or severe symptoms, don't hesitate to seek emergency medical care. Delaying care can WORSEN symptoms, resulting in a potentially life-threatening situation. In the event of a medical emergency, dial 911 or have someone drive you to the emergency department.
Health Facilities Facing Pressures
In our region, emergency departments have been experiencing unprecedented pressures and demand for services, sometimes resulting in long wait times. You can help by using the emergency department ONLY for emergencies. If you are not sure whether your health issue is an emergency, read our "Think Before You Go" guidelines for examples of conditions that should be treated in the emergency department and others that can be treated more quickly at urgent care centers or at a doctor's office/virtual visit.
NO COVID Testing at Emergency Departments
St. Peter's Health Partners Emergency Departments are NOT public COVID testing sites. You should NOT come to the emergency department with mild COVID symptoms or for COVID testing. If you have serious symptoms like a high fever, trouble breathing, or chest pain, please call 9-1-1 or immediately go to the emergency department for care.
Emergency Care
Emergency care is required when a patient has a medical condition that is severe and life-threatening. Here is a partial list of conditions:
- Chest pain
- Heart attack symptoms (Pain, pressure or squeezing in the center of the chest.)
- Stroke symptoms (Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body.)
- Persistent shortness of breath
- Poisoning/Overdose
- Serious head/neck/back injury
- Severe wounds/severe cuts/amputations
- Coughing up blood or vomiting blood
- Suicidal or homicidal feelings
- Any life-threatening injuries
- Any limb-threatening injuries
Dial 9-1-1 immediately for any medical problem that appears life-threatening. Emergency Departments are open 24 hours, seven days a week. The ED has the widest range of services for emergency care, specialized staff, diagnostic testing and access to specialists.
If you are having non-life-threatening cardiac symptoms (including chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath or rapid heart rate) you can access Same-Day (Walk-In) Heart Clinics.
For routine care, please utilize