Emergency Department

BHS Emergency Departments Are Here For You 24/7

In an emergency, minutes—even seconds—count. Getting prompt care can make a difference. Symptoms that are sudden or severe such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness on one side/facial droop can be life-threatening or life-altering. Call 911 if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Other emergency symptoms include:

• Fainting/loss of consciousness/change in vision
• Change in mental state
• Deep cuts/bleeding that won't stop
• Sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body
• High fever/fever with rash
• Seizures
• Severe or repeated vomiting
• Serious burns

The Emergency Team at BHS hospitals features fully credentialed /certified staff and medics. Care is always supervised by a physician.

Emergency Fast Facts

Here are some fast facts you should know in an emergency medical situation:

• A streamlined registration process and improved efficiencies can help you to feel better faster
• Dedicated area for urgent care matters such as strains, sprains, or simple fractures
• Separate area for treatment of Behavioral Health or Drug and Alcohol issues
• Pediatric Hospitalists onsite 24/7 at Butler Memorial Hospital with specialized training with asthma, dehydration and other pediatric issues
• Instant wireless technology improves internal communication between staff and electronic medical records and can shorten your visit
• An X-Ray and CT Scanner within the Emergency Department can help to speed your care
• In partnership with local Emergency Medical Services, electrocardiograms (EKGs) can be faxed right from the ambulance so that care can begin as soon as you arrive at the hospital
• Should there be a need for additional cardiovascular care, Butler Health System has received numerous accolades for its heart care
• Prescriptions can be filled Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm and Fridays from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Butler Memorial Hospital Retail Pharmacy, an onsite resource for your prescriptions, medical equipment, or convenience items
• Convenient and free parking is available outside of the Emergency Room
• Austin's Play Room at Butler Memorial Hospital offers children a safe environment for play. Children must have adult supervision while in the play room
• Our chapel is available to meet your spiritual needs
• For the safety of our patients, BHS has a "No Firearms" policies in effect
• Because of HIPPA regulations, medical advice cannot be given over the phone to patients or family members

Create Your Home First Aid Kit

It is good practice to keep a first aid kit at your home and car in case of emergencies. There are numerous items you can buy at a pharmacy or department store to build your kid, including: adhesive bandages, elastic wrap, aspirin, gauze, thermometers, safety pins, rubber gloves, and disposable heating and ice pads. Be sure to tell frequent guests, family members, and baby sitters where the kit is located.

How to Handle Medical Emergency

First and foremost, do not panic. This is a stressful situation, but by staying calm it will be easier to make quick, vital decisions. If you had the forethought to prepare for emergencies, grab your first aid kit if you believe it can be of use. Do not attempt to administer any treatments you are unsure of. Stick to simple tasks like cleaning and bandaging a wound. Though it may seem like the right thing to do, do not give the patient any medication (even aspiring), food, or water. They may need to go to the hospital for surgery, and consuming any of these can negatively impact the operation. Call 911 and explain the situation as calmly as possible. The dispatcher will give you instructions, which may be little more than waiting for an ambulance. Do not attempt to drive the patient to the hospital yourself unless the dispatcher tells you it’s okay.

Emergencies & Your Child

Children, especially infants, are difficult to read. They may not be able to let you know when they are having an emergency, making it your responsibility to look for the warning signs. Be prepared to take your child in for an unscheduled doctor or hospital visit if the child is acting strangely, having trouble breathing, seems mysteriously confused, is unable to eat, or if their skin turns blue or gray. If the child is bleeding and the bleeding won’t stop, bandage the wound as best you can and report to a doctor immediately. Do not hesitate to call 911 if you believe the child needs immediate attention.