Emergency Room Services (ER)
Top trauma care begins at the KCH ER. No one plans a trip to the emergency room, but once you are there, you want to be assured of the highest quality care available. Hamot physicians staff the KCH ER. Because KCH is an affiliate of Hamot Health Foundation and partner with Hamot Medical Center’s trauma unit, you don’t have to worry. You can expect to see a physician within 30 minutes.
The Emergency Room at Kane Community Hospital is a specialized unit designed to provide quality emergency care 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The KCH ER sees well over 5,000 patients per year. Approximately two thirds are adults, and one third are children.
The ER physicians at the KCH Emergency Department have complete access to the top trauma team in the region, the Hamot Shock Trauma Center. A hotline allows for consultations and immediate decisions about transfer of patients who need the specialists available at a Level II Trauma Center.
Visiting our Emergency Department
Medical problems don’t always occur between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. And when you are suffering, every second counts. At the KCH ER you’ll see a Hamot ER physician within 30 minutes, whether for emergency or for after hours treatment. From cardiac care to colds and cuts, it’s prompt, high quality care, available 24 hours a day seven days a week.
When you arrive at the KCH ER, the ER nurse will see you and perform a brief triage assessment of your complaint, medical history, vital signs, and allergies.
If your condition is serious, you will receive care immediately upon presentation. A physician will then take a detailed history and perform a physical examination to evaluate your medical problem. It may be necessary to organize blood tests, x-ray or other types of tests to define the extent of you medical problem. Following the clinical and laboratory evaluation, a management plan will be discussed with you.
Our staff
The KCH ED team, under the directorship of Michael Simonian, MD, includes highly skilled UPMC Hamot physicians and KCH emergency nursing staff.
Training and certifications include:
- Basic Life Support
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Advanced Trauma Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Medical Command Certification
- Emergency Nurse Certification
- Basic Trauma Life Support
- Trauma Nursing Core Provider
Types of injuries and illnesses
We care for a variety of medical problems in our Emergency Department, from broken bones to complex injuries and illnesses. Some of the common symptoms that indicate a possible medical emergency include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Constant pain
- Deep cuts or abrasions
- Possible broken bones
- Stroke symptoms, such as slurred speech, severe headaches or weakness on one side of the body
- Chest pain
If you are experiencing a life-threatening injury or illness, please call 911.
Our triage system
Patients are seen in order of the seriousness of the medical problems. Critically ill patients are always seen before patients with less serious problems. As a result, the waiting time may vary depending on the seriousness of your medical condition and how many patients with more serious illnesses are in the department.
Waiting and support area
We have a comfortable, family-friendly waiting area with a television and magazines available. Vending machines, coffee, and crackers are available nearby.
Our goal
Our goal is to satisfy every customer’s needs, either within the department, by admission and treatment as an inpatient or by appropriate referral elsewhere outside the hospital. At times you may encounter a delay before your problem is dealt with. We endeavor to deal with everyone with a minimum of delay and overall to ensure that everyone receives the best care.
Our commitment to service
We know that a visit to the Emergency Department can be an upsetting and frightening experience for some people. However, our staff is highly trained and will provide the best care possible. If you have questions about your care at any stage, please do not hesitate to ask.
Cindy Salerno, RN, CEN, PHRN, ED
Manager, KCH ER
Rev. 4-12