Emergency Medicine

Is this a Medical Emergency?

If you or a loved one is injured or experiencing any of the following symptoms, please call 911 immediately:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure.
• Fainting, sudden dizziness or weakness.
• Difficulty speaking, confusion, changes in mental status.
• Changes in vision.
• Any sudden severe pain.
• Uncontrolled bleeding.
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
• Severe or persistent coughing.
• Suicidal feelings.

Non-medical emergencies, including minor injuries and illnesses - such as fever, ear infection, flu and sprains - can be diagnosed and treated by healthcare providers at our Heart of America Johnson Clinics in Rugby, Dunseith, or Maddock.

Arriving at the Emergency Room

Heart of America Medical Center Emergency Department patients are evaluated and treated based on the priority and severity of their conditions. Our goal is to treat all patients with skill, efficiency, and respect for their emotional, cultural, and spiritual needs.

To provide privacy and the highest level of service, family members and significant others may be asked to wait in the hospital lobby. With the patient's permission, emergency department personnel will provide family and friends with regular updates and answer questions.

Being Prepared

In case of injury or medical emergency, please keep a record of your medications, drug and other allergies, and current immunizations with you at all times. A simple list jotted on a piece of paper and stored in your wallet or purse is all you need. Be sure you keep the information up to date.

Equipped To Serve

The Heart of America Medical Center Emergency Department is staffed 24 hours a day by a team of Physicians, Physician Assistants, Family Nurse Practitioners, and Registered Nurses trained in emergency medicine. Our registered nurses are certified in basic and advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support, and trauma nursing.

Each year the HAMC Emergency Department treats approximately 2,200 patients. Designated as a Level V Trauma Center by the ND State Trauma Committee and an Acute Stroke Ready hospital, we are equipped to handle medical emergencies ranging from lacerations to life-threatening illnesses and injuries. All beds are equipped with cardiac/respiratory monitors which transmit data to nurses' stations for constant, visual monitoring of each patient's status.

In 2011, HAMC added eEmergency equipment to its emergency room and intensive care unit. Through Avera Health Services in Sioux Falls (S.D.), HAMC uses a system of computers and sophisticated technology to communicate with an emergency room physician and nurse at the touch of a button. The medical emergency team from Avera Health can accurately monitor patients from an off-site location, 24 hours per day. This means Rugby patients can stay at HAMC and receive the benefits of advice and care from specialists in Sioux Falls.