Emergency Care in New Jersey
When To Call 911, Your Doctor, or The Hospital
When an emergency threatens a person’s life, limbs or sense organs – such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems, broken bones, head and neck injuries, cuts with severe bleeding, and eye injuries – call 911 immediately.Be prepared to provide the condition of the person experiencing the medical emergency, and location of the person for the ambulance staff to arrive.
It is important to have a list of medications being taken by the patient, if possible, to assist the first responders in assessing the medical situation.
Welcome message from our department chair
"At Hackensack University Medical Center, our Emergency Medicine team is on a journey to provide the best care possible. We are growing from a trusted regional hospital into a national leader in emergency care. Our goal is simple: to be the heart of the medical center, combining the latest medical advances with deep compassion for every person who walks through our doors.
Our mission rests on four pillars of excellence:
Exceptional Care, Every Time: As one of the most experienced Emergency Departments in the country, we care for a large number of patients every day. But to us, you are never just a number. We constantly measure our outcomes against the top hospitals in the nation to ensure you and your family receive the highest quality treatment when you need it most.
Always Improving for You: We don't just wait for healthcare to change; we lead the way. We are always looking for new, better ways to care for our patients, serving as the central hub that connects you to the best resources our entire health system has to offer.
Life-Saving Research: Because we treat so many patients, we have a unique opportunity to learn and discover. Our doctors use these insights to bring the newest, most effective treatments directly to your bedside, helping to change how the world treats critical illnesses.
Training Tomorrow’s Experts: We are proud to teach and mentor the future leaders of emergency medicine. We attract top doctors who are not only highly skilled but who truly care about their patients and work together as a dedicated team.
What really defines us is our deep dedication to our work and our commitment to teamwork. We are more than just a department; we are the vital heartbeat that keeps our community safe and healthy.
We are writing the future of Emergency Medicine right here, setting a new standard for the care you deserve."
-Gregory S Sugalski, MD, Chair Emergency Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center
Conditions We Treat
- Life-Threatening Emergencies: Stroke and heart attack
- Common Injuries: Broken bones and burns
- Sudden Illness: Severe pain or high fever
The following are warning signs which may indicate a medical emergency:
- Any sudden or severe pain
- Changes in vision
- Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
- Confusion or changes in mental status
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- Difficulty speaking
- Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
- Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Suicidal thoughts or feelings
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Unusual abdominal pain
Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health For Emergency Care
When every second counts, trust the team with the expertise, technology, and compassion to provide the best possible care. Hackensack Meridian Health is the region's leader in emergency medicine. We combine clinical expertise with a commitment to your well-being, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care when you need it most.
Here’s why patients trust us in an emergency:
Board-Certified Emergency Specialists
Your care is always led by board-certified emergency physicians and a team of highly trained nurses and clinicians specializing in rapid diagnosis and treatment. Our teams have the experience to handle everything from minor injuries to the most complex medical crises.
Advanced, Accredited Specialty Care
Many of our hospitals are designated as Level I or II Trauma Centers, Comprehensive Stroke Centers, and accredited Chest Pain Centers. This means we have the proven expertise, advanced technology, and established protocols to provide immediate, life-saving intervention for heart attacks, strokes, and severe trauma.
Dedicated Pediatric Emergency Care
We understand that emergencies are especially stressful for children and parents. Our dedicated pediatric emergency departments provide a comforting, child-friendly environment and are staffed by specialists trained in the unique medical and emotional needs of pediatric patients.
Seamless Connection to a Network of Experts
If you need to be admitted, your care is coordinated with New Jersey's top specialists across the entire Hackensack Meridian Health network. This ensures you receive the right follow-up care without delay, from cardiology to neurosurgery and beyond.
State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Technology
Our emergency centers have advanced diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, X-ray) and lab services on-site, 24/7. This allows our teams to make fast, accurate diagnoses, which is critical for developing the most effective treatment plan.
Resources For Public Safety Professionals
Frequently Asked Questions
Patient Resources
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