Emergency & Trauma

Unparalleled Emergency Care

In May 2012 we broke ground to renovate the Emergency Department that will include 75 private rooms for our patients.

The new Emergency Department will also feature specialty-specific wings including Geriatrics, Oncology, Cardiology and Trauma care. Our patient population represents a wide range of cultural diversity with patients of all ages, presenting complaints and acuities. The combination of a thriving, nationally-recognized academic institution with a large, diverse volume of patients offers Emergency Medicine residents an excellent training opportunity.

Hackensack University Medical Center Emergency Services encompasses two sites, Main and North. The North Emergency Department “Community Medicine” rotation will provide the residents progressive responsibility in patient management and experience in the transfer of patients requiring subspecialty care. It will provide them with a community Emergency Medicine experience with limited specialty services that is similar to the many community settings that rely upon transfers to obtain subspecialty care.

Family-Centered Care

Family-Centered Care is a belief that the best way to meet the needs of those we care for is a partnership between families and their healthcare providers. We at Hackensack University Medical Center embrace a family-centered care philosophy. We believe this helps our patients and their families feel comfortable, cared for, and important as we deliver quality services.

Family-Centered Care offers the Hackensack University Medical Center staff the chance to perform at their highest level to improve our patients’ care. We value the important information families provide about their loved ones. We also value their participation in making healthcare decisions. When information is shared, it creates a supportive environment for everyone. Family-Centered Care helps us provide quality care that respects and values our patients’ family members or those who are closest to the patient. It honors their strengths, cultures, traditions, and the knowledge they bring to this partnership.

Families are the center of most of our lives. They are concerned about our health and well-being. Family-Centered Care honors families and their importance. At Hackensack University Medical Center, we believe Family-Centered Care is the standard of practice that results in the highest quality of care and services. The following are key principles to this partnership:

  • Hackensack University Medical Center staff work together with families in the best interest of their loved ones
  • Each person respects the skills and knowledge brought to these partnerships
  • Everyone understands that trust between partners is basic to Family-Centered Care
  • Information is shared in a timely, open and fair-minded way
  • Everyone  makes decisions together
  • Everyone is willing to discuss all information openly

Our partnerships with families help us to provide the best care at the right time with the right Hackensack University Medical Center team members. Our passion is to provide care with kindness so families feel good about the way they and their loved ones were treated.

Life-Saving Care Like No Other

Scott Solomon was driving on the Garden State Parkway when his vehicle flipped several times and landed on its side. Scott suffered severe facial injuries. The crew from AirMed One responded to transport Scott to Hackensack University Medical Center.

Scott's Inspirational Story

What to Expect When you Come to the Emergency Trauma Department (ETD)

Triage nurses are usually the people who begin your care when you come to the ETD.  They evaluate you by asking questions.  They also take measurements such as blood pressure, temperature, heart rate and assess pain if appropriate.  They perform a physical examination which may include listening to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.  Triage nurses may examine parts of the body affected by your condition.

Triage nurses use their education and experience to establish which patients have the most serious symptoms.  There are also standards that guide the triage nurses in making these decisions.  Patients are not necessarily seen on a first come first serve basis. They are seen in order of priority given by the triage nurse. If you come to the ETD in an ambulance, you may not be seen by a triage nurse.  Instead, you may be sent directly into the ETD.

A nurse in the ETD is assigned to the Central Communication and Flow of patients. This person is responsible for making sure that all patients in the ETD receive care as quickly as is possible.  He or she also makes sure that each patient is matched to the clinical team of doctors and nurses that can best meet their needs.

Once triage is done, the nursing team works together to move you either into a treatment area or to the start up room. The purpose of the start up room is to have you seen quickly by a doctor, physician assistant (PA) or an advanced practice nurse (APN).  The start up team does a brief examination so that blood tests can be done and you can receive pain medication. You will then be placed in the treatment area.

 

The team approach will address all aspects of your care and make you as comfortable as possible throughout your stay.

A team of professionals works together to help you in the treatment area. This team may include a doctor, PA, or APN, and a nurse, technician and others. The team members communicate closely with each other about your plan of care. Certain tests may be ordered and the results will define your course of treatment. Also, medical services in the ETD are available without discrimination based on age, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, handicap, diagnosis, ability to pay, or source of payment.

Your Aftercare

After you are examined, the team will make a treatment plan for you. Then, you or your family members will meet with the registration clerk. The registration clerk asks for information about you, such as your address, date of birth, and the name of your family doctor. In addition, the registration clerk will collect your insurance information in order to complete the registration process.

Being able to communicate with your health care team is important.  If you have special needs, please tell the nurse.  A sign language interpreter or Telecommunications device for the deaf (TTD) can be provided or you can go a location that has TeleTYpe (TTY) services. Let the nurse know if you do not speak English well and need information in another language.  He or she will contact a language interpreter to come and translate for you.

It is important to learn what rules your insurance company has about treatment in the ETD.  For example, some insurance providers ask you to notify them within a certain amount of time of your visit. Please check with your insurance company for specific details.

You will receive two bills for your emergency room visit. One is from the medical center for use of the ETD and the services provided by the ETD staff. The other bill is from the doctor, PA or APN in the ETD who evaluates you. If other specialists take care of you they may also send you a bill.  This could include a radiologist who reads X-rays or a CAT scan, or a cardiologist who evaluates your Electrocardiogram (EKG).

Emergency & Trauma Services

Emergency Resources

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