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.