Emergency Services
If you are experiencing an emergency call 911 immediately.
The Emergency Department at Kanabec Hospital is ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our experienced staff is here to care for you and your family any time there's an emergency.
Our providers, nurses and technicians are skilled in treating seriously ill and injured patients and they will provide the best care for your needs. Kanabec Hospital emergency services include a new ambulance and 24/7 paramedic coverage. Kanabec Hospital has three full-time Emergency Medicine physicians, over 20 ambulance personnel (paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)), plus specially-trained nurses and support personnel. The ambulance service has highly trained paramedics with the latest equipment and training. They are linked with emergency helicopter services to provide the most advanced emergency medical care possible.
In 2008, the ambulance department received 1500 requests for service. The emergency department had over 10,000 visitors. Each situation was unique and each individual received the benefit of Kanabec Hospital’s personalized approach to wellness. The Emergency Services department at Kanabec Hospital plays a critical role in ensuring that life-saving services are available in our community. The Emergency Services department enjoys the support of the highly skilled staff and specialized services of all of the Kanabec Hospital departments including Laboratory Services, Imaging Services, and Surgical Services among many others.
Kanabec Hospital recently became recognized by the Minnesota Department of Health as a designated trauma center. For a severely injured person, the time between sustaining an injury and receiving definitive care is the most important predictor of survival—the “golden hour.” The chance of survival diminishes with time; however, a trauma system enhances the chance of survival regardless of proximity to an urban trauma hospital. Through its designation Kanabec Hospital recognizes the vital role that communities, ambulance services, hospitals and health care professionals play in the care and management of trauma patients.
What to Expect When you Arrive
When you arrive, a nurse will check your vital signs, evaluate your condition and ask about your health history. This process is called "triage," a French word meaning "to sort by priority." Using the triage process, patients are seen in order of severity of condition, or “the sickest person first”. This means that even though you may have arrived before another patient, the doctor may see the other patient first if his or her condition is worse. Convenience Care is a part of our triage system that is utilized in cases that are determined to be less severe and less complex by a Registered Nurse.
We respect your time and know that waiting in the ER can be frustrating. We will try to keep you informed and aware of events as they are occurring. If you have any questions as you wait, our friendly admitting staff is happy to assist you.
We will review your discharge instructions with you before you leave the Emergency Care Center. Please feel free to ask questions if you do not understand the instructions. You are responsible for arranging a follow-up appointment with your primary provider or the doctor recommended by one of our staff members. You are responsible to check with your insurance plan for coverage.
Kanabec Hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care and service to our community. Emergency care at Kanabec Hospital; a life-saving service.