Kimberly A. Lightford Emergency Department
Emergency Care in the Austin Community
The Kimberly A. Lightford Emergency Department is a comprehensive emergency facility that has 14 private examination rooms and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including digital charting and fast-acting diagnostic equipment.
Our emergency physicians and nurses possess a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills to handle crisis situations. The emergency staff is certified in many areas including advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS).
When to Visit the Emergency Room
When you believe you are having a medical emergency there is no time to wait, call 911 or make your way to the hospital immediately. We never hesitate to provide people with the care they need, and you should never take chances with your health. To make the best use of your time and hospital resources, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with common emergency symptoms.
You should seek emergency medical attention if you experience:
- Severe chest pains
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual behavioral changes
- Fainting
- Abdominal pains
- Difficulty speaking, including slurred speech
- Face drooping
- Unstoppable bleeding
- Excessive vomiting
- Serious injuries
Likewise, there are some conditions that require medical attention but are not considered emergencies. Generally, you can best discern if you are having an emergency if your condition appears life-threatening.
Non-emergency conditions that still require medical attention include:
- Sprains
- Possible broken bones
- Earaches
- Sore throat
- Cold and flu
- Minor burns
- Fever
In the event that you visit the emergency room for a non-life threatening condition, our physicians and nurses will make the appropriate referrals to our Outpatient Care for follow-up care. This may include additional tests, screenings, intervention, or treatment options.