Emergency Services

What to Expect in Our ER

As a patient, 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 or other heart attack symptoms
• Confusion or other changes 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 Room. This is not a complete list of conditions which require emergency attention. If you need immediate medical attention, come to the Emergency Room 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

Expedited Heart Care

The staff at Southwestern Medical Center is specially equipped to provide quick care to patients who come to us with symptoms of a heart attack.

Accredited Chest Pain Center

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Southwestern Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. We were awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation based on rigorous onsite evaluation of our staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. Learn more about our accreditation here or visit acc.org for more information about the American College of Cardiology.

To determine your level of risk for a heart attack, click the button:

HEART HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Expedited Stroke Care

The ER at Southwestern Medical Center is also specially equipped to provide timely care to stroke patients.

Certified Primary Stroke Center

We are proud to be the first Certified Primary Stroke Center in Southwest Oklahoma. 

Certified Primary Stroke Center certification is reserved for hospitals that meet standards set by The Joint Commission for being a leader in the identification, intervention and treatment of stroke care for patients. Certified Primary Stroke Centers consistently set a higher standard of care for stroke patients.

As a Certified Primary Stroke Center, you can be assured high quality, life saving care is available 24/7 for you or your loved ones.

To determine your level of risk for a stroke, click the button:

Stroke Risk Assessment

We appreciate you entrusting our Emergency Room with your healthcare needs in the Lawton, OK region.