Emergency care

Our ER features a rapid response program, a partnership with local emergency medical services (EMS) for both cardiac and stroke alerts.

Here are some other important things to know about our emergency department:

• Our ER does not provide urgent care services.
• Our ER staff is unable to diagnose or triage patients over the phone, as this does not constitute a proper examination.
• The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) prohibits us from providing financial information before you receive care. All patients who present in the ER must be seen for medical care.
• We accept the majority of insurance plans, including Kaiser Permanente patients. You can contact your insurance company directly for a definitive answer.

When it comes to chest pain, time is crucial to effectively treating a heart condition. We recommend responding seriously to chest pain, no matter how minor your symptoms might appear. If you visit the ER with chest pain, you will have direct, quick access to our heart care team and our Cardiac Alert program, which coordinates care for heart attack patients before they even get to the hospital.

You also have immediate access to our Accredited Chest Pain Center and heart and vascular care program. Our main facility has a cardiac catheterization close to the ER, which means you receive the cardiovascular treatment you need fast.

A visit to the ER can be overwhelming for both you and your child. When your child gets sick or hurt, our expert emergency team is here to take care of them, keeping your child comfortable and you reassured. In our facility, you have access to more than 300 affiliated pediatric specialists, neonatologists and maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

"Ouchless" ER

To help children feel at ease during their treatment, we offer "ouchless" ER services, which include:

• A coordinated and concentrated effort to reduce pain and anxiety for both kids and their parents
• Pain-free IV starts
• Tools for sedation to provide relaxation and comfort for patients

If you find yourself in a panic and unable to function normally, or if you think you might hurt yourself or someone else, go to the nearest ER or call 911.

What to expect at the ER for your mental health emergency

Our ER can be a loud and busy environment, so we ask that when you come to us when experiencing a mental health emergency you are aware of that, but please do not let it deter you from seeking the care you need. Upon your arrival, our staff will ask questions to assess how you are doing. It is extremely important to answer honestly and fully so our team of doctors and nurses can provide you with the care you need.

Our team may decide to consult with a mental health professional, either via phone or video conference. It is possible that you will speak with many different healthcare professionals but know that it is all in an effort to keep you safe.

ER visits can take up to several hours. If our ER staff is concerned that you are a danger to yourself, they may decide to take away certain personal items that could be used in an effort to harm yourself.

What to expect after your mental health visit to the ER

Some patients will be discharged from the ER and referred to a mental health professional for follow-up. It is possible for other patients to be transferred to other units within our hospital or even another facility to receive further mental health care.

The continued aid of mental health professionals provides an ongoing effort to keep yourself safe and provides a pathway to improving your mental health.

Both of our ER locations in Denver — including our main campus and our Rose Central Park ER — are renowned for employing highly skilled doctors and nurses to provide efficient, quality care.