Doctor and nurses wheeling patient in gurney down hospital corridor

Emergency Care

Emergency Care

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If you are experiencing
a medical emergency,
call 911 immediately.
 

Emergency services are available at CMC 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If a heart attack or stroke is suspected, DO NOT DRIVE to the hospital. Call 911 immediately.
 

Full service emergency department equipped to handle acutely ill or injured persons

When medical emergencies occur, the physicians, nurses, and other skilled caregivers of CMC’s Emergency Department (ED) are ready, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CMC’s ED is full service, state-of-the-art facility that is prepared to care for acutely ill or injured persons.

CMC is verified as a Level III Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). CMC is already designated as a Level III Adult Trauma Center and Level IV Pediatric Trauma Center by the State of New Hampshire. We have 30 treatment rooms equipped with bedside monitoring capabilities, and dedicated areas for trauma, cardiac, stroke and pediatric patients. Our highly-trained physicians are certified by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Our nursing staff and EMS team have received specialized emergency care training and hold various emergency care certifications. 

CMC’s Emergency Department is committed to our community. We are the resource hospital for several local ambulance services and provide emergency education throughout the area. Our EMS team regularly offers life-saving training in the community.  As the first line of treatment in critical situations, we also look to offer innovative approaches, like our telestroke ambulance program. CMC also offers Urgent Care in Bedford, NH for less serious illness and injuries.

Clinical Decision Unit

Not all patients who come to the hospital need to be admitted to the hospital—yet not everyone is ready to be sent home. CMC’s Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) provides ongoing, short-term observation, assessment, and treatment for these patients. The time a patient spends in the CDU allows providers to administer short-term therapy and decide on whether a hospital admission is necessary. 

The CDU is located next to CMC’s ED. Emergency Department providers determine who will be admitted to the CDU. The nurses and advanced practice providers in the CDU will provide short-term, quality care, educating the patient and family members on:
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment plans
  • Medications
  • Estimated length of stay
  • Discharge planning
The length of stay on the CDU is typically averages 8-16 hours – not days. For more information about the CDU, please call 603.665.4901.
Emergency Department

What to bring with you

We understand that most visits to the emergency department aren’t planned in advance. However, if you are able, it is helpful to bring the following with you:

  • Photo ID
  • Health insurance information (card)
  • List of prescription medications and dosages you are currently taking
  • List of medication and other allergices
  • Contact information for your primary care provider (if you have one)
  • List of questions you and your family may have  
After your visit, the Emergency Department at CMC will notify your primary care provider, so they may follow through with any discharge care instructions.      

Emergency Care

In the News

FAQs

Why all the paperwork? Doesn’t this delay being treated?
Unless a person is unconscious or has been transferred by way of ambulance or helicopter, he or she will need to sign a consent form authorizing appropriate medical treatment. For those persons under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian is required to complete and sign this paperwork.

Creating a record of your visit begins with the registration process. You will be asked for personal health information, family medical history and medical insurance information. To make this process quick and easy, please remember to bring a list of medications you are currently taking, as well as the dosage taken, the name of your primary care provider, your insurance card and insurance information and a list of allergies you have. After the visit, the Emergency Department at Catholic Medical Center will notify your primary care provider so they may follow through with any discharge care instructions.
How and when is payment exchanged for treatment received?
If complete insurance information is provided at the time of registration, the insurance provider will be sent a bill. Most insurance providers have a co-pay for emergency care which will be indicated on your insurance card. You are responsible for the balance due after the insurance provider’s payment is made. If you do not have insurance, a credit account representative will contact you to set up a fair and reasonable payment schedule.
During a patient’s time in the Emergency Department, will visitors be allowed?
Generally, the number of visitors allowed in the Emergency Department treatment area is kept to a minimum. This allows the Emergency Department team sufficient space to do their jobs quickly and efficiently. It also ensures you are receiving the best medical care as well as maintains an appropriate level of privacy. Two waiting areas are available in the Emergency Department to provide comfort and quiet for family members, friends or relatives.
What if I have questions?

You should not hesitate to ask questions of those directly involved in your care. The more you know about your diagnosis, medication or treatment, the better. The Emergency Department team is committed to helping you understand your medical issues and the suggested course of treatment. It is equally important you understand your prescribed follow-up care.

What happens when a visit turns into an admission to the hospital?
In some cases, you may be admitted to Catholic Medical Center for further treatment. If this is the case, the Emergency Department team will work with your primary care provider. In some cases, Catholic Medical Center’s hospitalists may be called in to oversee care.
What about minor illnesses or injury? Is this handled differently?
The CMC Emergency Department is designed to also treat patients with minor, non-urgent injuries or illness. There is a separate area staffed for faster evaluation and treatment. Highly trained and experienced nurse practitioners, nurses and paramedics work in close consultation with the emergency physicians on duty.
What happens after a visit to the Emergency Department?
During your time in the Emergency Department, additional tests may be taken. Once a diagnosis is made and a treatment course has been prescribed, it is essential you understand the next steps. Discharge instructions will provide you with the appropriate follow-up care or medication prescribed. If you do not understand the discharge instructions or have additional questions, please ask. You are responsible for your own care after you leave the Emergency Department. We make every effort to follow through with your primary care provider to notify them of a visit but it is strongly recommended you arrange a follow up appointment as well.

In some cases, you may need assistance from a family member or friend to assist you in your safe return home. If you need additional assistance, please ask. Our staff wants to ensure patients return home safely and enjoy good health. Let us help you.
National & Local Recognition

CMC nationally recognized for its high-quality stroke care

We’re proud to be recognized with the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement for our commitment to excellence in stroke care. Congratulations & thank you to our dedicated staff!
July 2023

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Union Leader Readers' Choice 2023

It is our privilege to provide health, healing and hope to our community, every day. Your support means everything  to the CMC staff who take pride in caring for you. Thank you for making us your Readers’ Choice!
June 2023

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AHA’s GoldPlus Get With The Guidelines®–Stroke

We’re proud to be nationally recognized with the American Heart Association’s GoldPlus Get With The Guidelines®–Stroke quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
June 2022

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The DAISY Award

Congratulations to Kyla T., RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN our latest DAISY Award recipient! She was recognized with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for the compassionate care she recently provided to an emergency department patient. In nominating Kyla, the patient wrote, "What a breath of fresh air! She was kind and compassionate. Holding my hand and explaining everything to me. She was patient and listened to what I had to say. Kyla made it a point to keep me comfortable." Thank you Kyla!
May 2021

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Our Locations

Catholic Medical Center
100 McGregor StreetManchester NH 03102
603.668.3545
Meet Our

Trauma Team

Here's a look at the health care team members you might encounter when being treated at the CMC Emergency Department.

Find a Provider
For minor injuries & illnesses

Urgent Care

The medical staff at CMC's Urgent Care provides medical care for conditions that aren't an immediate, serious threat to life or health. Conveniently located in Bedford, NH, it is also the place to go when you need medical treatment outside of your primary care physician's regular office hours. 603.314.4567

Schedule an appointment