Emergency Department

Open 24 Hours A Day, Seven Days A Week

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The Emergency Department (ED) at WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital is a 43-bed department providing care to more than 50,000 patients annually.

The department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is staffed by at least one Board Certified Physician. The ED provides medical screening exams and evaluations, as well as treatment to patients presenting with illness or injury ranging from minor health incidents to life-threatening situations. 

The Emergency Department is highlighted by exceptional care for patients presenting with stroke symptoms or acute myocardial infarctions. The department works hand-in-hand with the hospital’s award-winning, Stroke Center, certified by the Joint Commission, and with our award-winning Cardiology Department to ensure rapid medical intervention for patients suffering heart attacks or stroke. 

The ED includes two trauma resuscitation rooms, an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialty room, a gynecological room and an isolation room. Specialized equipment includes stroke telemedicine, rapid fluid infuser, pediatric telemedicine and hot line fluid warmer. 

Specialty consultation is available within the hospital to meet identified needs, such as ensuring appropriate and timely diagnostic procedures. Emergency Department staff also fully integrates with the surrounding community regarding disaster planning on each shift. 

An ED visit will likely include evaluation of a patient by a physician including the potential for diagnostic and laboratory testing. Treatment is ordered based upon the patient’s needs. Emergency patients are then evaluated for response to treatment and proper disposition.

Patients may be admitted to the hospital, discharged with follow up instructions, or transferred to another facility. In the event of transfer, hospital staff will stabilize the patient to the fullest extent possible and transportation arrangements will be made in accordance with a patient’s need and level of care required following EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) guidelines. 

WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital is also proud to be a Safe Haven Hospital. The Pennsylvania Safe Haven law gives parents a safe and legal alternative to abandoning their baby. It allows parents to bring their newborn (up to 28 days old) to our hospital or any hospital in the state, as well as to any police officer at a police station or emegency services provider at an EMS station without fear of criminal prosecution - as long as the baby has not been harmed. 

Call the Safe Haven Helpline at 1-866-921-SAFE for more information. 

The E.R.

If you or a loved one experiences a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. These symptoms should not be ignored:

  • Sudden or severe pain

  • Change in vision

  • Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure

  • Confusion or changes in mental state

  • Coughing or vomiting blood

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Difficulty speaking

  • Fainting, sudden dizziness or weakness

  • Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea

  • Severe fractures

  • Shortness of breath

  • Uncontrolled bleeding

Our Emergency Department staff includes physicians, physician assistants and certified registered nurse practitioners, licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. The physician assistants and nurse practitioners are credentialed by the medical staff for privileges in the ED and demonstrate proficiency in emergency medical care.

The physician assistants and nurse practitioners provide:

  • Medical assessment
  • Orders for appropriate diagnostic testing
  • Treatment modalities
  • Patient education
  • Referrals

This is done under the supervision of an Emergency Department physician. 

The department is also staffed with professional registered nurses, licensed in the State of Pennsylvania, who are BLS, ACLS, APLS verified.

Specialty nurses for non-violent crisis intervention, stroke care and sexual assault nurses also work on the department staff.  All ED nurses complete a mandatory rhythm interpretation class, critical care class and a course on Advanced Pediatric Life Support.

All our nurses must demonstrate competency in the performance of specialized emergency nursing skills annually, as well as the skills required of all the nurses in the hospital, to work in the ED.