St. Mary Medical Center’s Emergency Department reflects the hospital’s ongoing commitment to emergency and trauma care. It is designed to enhance patient privacy and dignity, maintain security and safety, and provide the medical staff with an efficient, well-equipped facility capable of providing the highest level of care.

St. Mary is the only hospital in the valley staffed with emergency medicine residency-trained board-certified emergency physicians 24 hours a day, and nurses specially trained in emergency care. As a Level III Trauma Center, St. Mary continues to be the primary receiving hospital for trauma care in the region.

The Emergency Department includes:

• Two separate, covered entries – one for ambulatory patients, and one for ambulances. The covered ambulance entrance is designed so it could be used as a triage center in the event of a mass casualty incident.
• Fifteen private patient care rooms, including two for triage. In addition to general exam rooms, the new Emergency Department has rooms designed for the most severe critical care/trauma; pediatric care; orthopedic exams and procedures; gynecological; and ear, nose and throat exams. Several rooms can be used for observation or longer stays of 8 to 24 hours. The department also includes a security exam room for patients who may be a danger to self or others because of mental health issues or drug and alcohol problems.
• A dedicated reception area, separate from that of the rest of the facility. It has space for around 20 to 30 people to wait comfortably in small groups. Amenities include a water fountain, TV viewing area, play area for children, and nearby restrooms and vending machines.
• A private family room. When a loved one has suffered a potentially life-threatening illness or injury, this room allows the family to gather in a private area separate from the lounge. Physicians also can reach this room without going through public corridors.
• A computerized HVAC system that can isolate the air supply of the Emergency Department, and can control the airflow to individual rooms to prevent airborne pathogens from escaping into other areas. The system also can create additional positive airflow to keep outside air out, as might be necessary if there were a disaster in the community involving a chemical or biohazard.
• Direct access to the heliport via a ramp that leads directly into the Emergency Department.
• A centrally located nurses station with a private area for physician dictation and consultation.
• State-of-the-art computer and information systems.