Emergency Room

Nationally Recognized Experts in Heart Health

Trousdale Medical Center has been accredited with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) since 2019 and was recently re-accredited with the newest version of the program in 2022.

The chest pain program enables us to provide the most up-to-date, evidenced-based care for our cardiac patients. It also allows us the opportunity to give back to the community by providing education throughout the year.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack on our Chest Pain Awareness page.

Trousdale Medical Center: What to Expect in Our ER

A visit to the ER can seem daunting. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted immediately by our team that specializes in responding to all kinds of medical emergencies. We’ll listen to your concerns and get you in with an emergency clinician as quickly as possible.

You can expect us to guide you through your situation and communicate with you every step of the way. Patients in the ER are seen according to the severity of their illnesses. 

Learn more about what to expect during your ER visit.

View our current average wait time

Steps We Take to Maintain Your Safety & Quality of Care

The safety of you and your loved ones is our top priority. To provide the highest quality care in the safest possible environment, we:

• Consistently monitor critically ill patients
• Provide lab testing directly at your bedside
• Register patients from their bed to avoid delays in evaluation and treatment
• Partner with Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital for pediatric care
• Provide biannual training for all staff with Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital for pediatric emergencies
• Track our performance improvement measures to ensure a high quality of care
• Ensure all nursing staff have the following certifications:
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

Your Emergency Room Care Team

Our Emergency Department is staffed 24/7 with onsite providers who have extensive experience in emergency medicine. Our providers are the same providers that serve our sister hospital, Sumner Regional Medical Center, which means you will always receive a high level of care.

We have quick access to onsite imaging and specialist input, both of which are typically not available when visiting an urgent care facility.

Benefits of receiving care at Trousdale Medical Center’s emergency room include:

• Seamless transition to an inpatient room if you are admitted to the hospital
• 24/7 lab testing with the ability for results to be read on site
• 24/7 respiratory coverage for respiratory emergencies
• Close collaboration with community primary care providers for outpatient follow-up

Easy Transport for a Higher Level of Care

While we can treat most emergencies that come through our doors, some medical emergencies may require access to a higher level of care offered by a larger medical center. We can easily transport you to another facility if we believe you may benefit from a hospital with additional resources to treat your condition.

We are in the same health system as Sumner Regional Medical Center, which enables us to have quick communication and response for local transfers. The directors of the Emergency Departments at Trousdale Medical Center, Sumner Regional Medical Center, and Riverview Regional Medical Center collaborate regularly for a seamless, system-wide approach to emergency care.

When Should I Go to the Emergency Room?

Medical emergencies can present in a lot of different ways. The following symptoms indicate that immediate medical attention is needed.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 or head to the ER right away.

• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of your body
• Loss of consciousness
• Deep cuts or wounds
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Possible broken bones
• A change in mental state, such as confusion
• Coughing or throwing up blood
• Vomiting that won’t stop
• Inability to move an arm or leg
• A high fever that doesn’t respond to medication
• Seizures
• Serious burns
• Severe allergic reactions (these often include swelling and trouble swallowing and/or breathing)

Care for Non-Life-Threatening Illnesses & Injuries

It can sometimes be confusing to know which symptoms require a trip to the ER. If you are experiencing an illness or injury that isn’t life-threatening, primary care may be an alternative care option. This alternative is best for:

• Non-urgent medical concerns
• Treatment for mild illnesses or injuries
• Ongoing care related to a chronic illness
• Physical exams

Find a Primary Care Provider