Conveniently located on Highway 8 between the College Avenue and Lake Murray Boulevard/70th Street exits, the Alvarado Hospital Medical Center Emergency Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by experienced emergency care physicians and nurses. Emergency and urgent care services are provided for minor sickness or accidents as well as more serious, potentially life-threatening conditions.

An emergency is a medical problem that may cause death or permanent injury if not treated right away. You should be aware of certain symptoms that may necessitate a visit to the emergency room. Emergencies often include the following:

• Severe bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of direct pressure
  
• Sudden severe pain and a swelling in a joint
  
• Severe abdominal pain, lasting more than 3 hours (May be accompanied by faintness, drowsiness and a tender and swollen abdomen)
  
• Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea
  
• Chest pain, particularly pain that radiates to jaw, neck or arms
  
• Heavy chest pain or tightness in the chest
  
• Light-headedness, fainting or weakness
  
• Swallowing poison
  
• Choking
  
• Suddenly not being able to move or speak
  
• A broken bone
  
• A human bite
  
• A gaping wound (the edges don’t come together)