Emergency care
Emergency care is the treatment of unexpected, severe medical injuries or infections. It is typically delivered in an emergency room or an ambulance. Our emergency medicine physicians stabilize your condition as quickly as possible to prepare you for the next step of care or discharge.
Emergency rooms (ERs) in the Seacoast Region
We offer compassionate, time-sensitive care, making your visit as comfortable and efficient as possible.
When you or a loved one needs emergency care, you deserve quality medical support as quickly as possible. Our ERs are affiliated with Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and are prepared to handle your situation day or night.
How healthy is your heart?
Taking a moment to learn about your heart health is a great way to start taking better care of yourself. Our online assessment tool will help you understand your risks and give you information you can take to your doctor.
Taking a moment to learn about your heart health is a great way to start taking better care of yourself. Our online assessment tool will help you understand your risks and give you information you can take to your doctor.
Comprehensive emergency care
Across multiple ERs, we deliver essential emergency services to both adults and children. We can support your life-threatening and non-life-threatening condition, giving you access to a full range of care.
Emergency services we offer
In addition to 24/7 care and free Wi-Fi, our emergency department offers:
- Accredited chest pain center
- Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC)
- FastTrack ER
- Level II Trauma Center
- Pediatric ER
Visit our website or text 'ER' to 32222 to find out our ER wait times closest to you. Please note that message and data rates may apply.
Chest pain care
Sudden and uncomfortable chest pain can signal that you or a loved one might be experiencing a heart attack. At our chest pain center, which is accredited by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), we provide the advanced, personalized treatment you may need. Our dedicated team works as quickly as possible, aiming to improve your condition using minimally invasive technologies and techniques whenever possible.
Emergency care for children
If your child is injured or has an acute illness, our kid-friendly ER staff is ready and trained to treat them during a medical emergency.
We understand your child has unique needs during this time, and we want to make sure you're involved in their care. Our physicians and nurses communicate and work with you as much as possible. We will share all test results and treatment plans, so you can make informed decisions about what's best for your child.
For emergency situations, always call 911 first.
FastTrack care
The FastTrack ER at our hospital, which is open daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm, offers care for less critical emergencies. When your doctor's office isn't open, or you can't get an appointment, our FastTrack ER provides convenient care. Should your emergency become more serious, we can seamlessly admit you to the hospital, if needed.
Our FastTrack ER is for anyone two years old or older. We treat medical conditions that are not emergencies, but require treatment within 24 hours, such as:
- Allergic reactions
- Back pain
- Bites and stings
- Burning or infrequent urination
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Cough
- Cuts
- Earache
- Rashes
- Sore throat
- Wounds
Upon request, we can also perform suture removal and refill your prescriptions.
Stroke care
Our hospital is recognized by DNV Healthcare as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, reflecting our ability to provide you with advanced stroke care when it's needed most. We have the experience and expertise required to deliver medical, surgical and physical rehabilitation services for transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), as well as hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes.
ER information for visitors
If you experience an emergency medical event, we want you to feel as prepared as possible for your trip to the ER. Learn about symptoms that may warrant a visit, our emergency department process and what you should have with you upon arrival.
When to come to the ER
Not sure when a visit to the ER is warranted? You should seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible if you have symptoms, such as:
- Abrupt vision or hearing loss
- Chest pain
- Concussion
- Dangerously high fever (over 103°F)
- Flu
- Rapid disorientation
- Seizure
- Severe stomach pain
- Side pain
- Sudden numbness or weakness on one side
- Trouble breathing
Our nurses are available 24/7 to help you determine if your symptoms justify an ER visit. You can reach them at (888) 421-1080.
Preparing for your visit
When you first arrive to the ER, a triage nurse will ask you about your symptoms and take some vital signs. Our registration clerk will then request your medical record and insurance information. From there, you'll be medically screened, evaluated and stabilized.
If you have a life-threatening condition, you will be the first to be treated in the ER. All others will be seen in the order they arrive. We strive to make your time in the waiting room as pleasant and brief as possible.
Before you're sent home, we advise asking any questions you may have about your care. Please keep all paperwork, discharge instructions and medicines, if you receive any. If you have a primary care provider listed in your medical record, we will give them a copy of your visit summary.
After your ER visit, you should contact your primary care physician.
Items to bring with you
Upon your arrival, you should have:
- Actual medicines (or list of medications you take)
- Care preferences or restrictions
- Copy of results from any recent medical tests
- List of known medical allergies and recent procedures
- Responsible adult or phone number for someone to contact
Not sure when a visit to the ER is warranted? You should seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible if you have symptoms, such as:
- Abrupt vision or hearing loss
- Chest pain
- Concussion
- Dangerously high fever (over 103°F)
- Flu
- Rapid disorientation
- Seizure
- Severe stomach pain
- Side pain
- Sudden numbness or weakness on one side
- Trouble breathing
Our nurses are available 24/7 to help you determine if your symptoms justify an ER visit. You can reach them at (888) 421-1080.
When you first arrive to the ER, a triage nurse will ask you about your symptoms and take some vital signs. Our registration clerk will then request your medical record and insurance information. From there, you'll be medically screened, evaluated and stabilized.
If you have a life-threatening condition, you will be the first to be treated in the ER. All others will be seen in the order they arrive. We strive to make your time in the waiting room as pleasant and brief as possible.
Before you're sent home, we advise asking any questions you may have about your care. Please keep all paperwork, discharge instructions and medicines, if you receive any. If you have a primary care provider listed in your medical record, we will give them a copy of your visit summary.
After your ER visit, you should contact your primary care physician.
Items to bring with you
Upon your arrival, you should have:
- Actual medicines (or list of medications you take)
- Care preferences or restrictions
- Copy of results from any recent medical tests
- List of known medical allergies and recent procedures
- Responsible adult or phone number for someone to contact