Thank you to Northern Nevada Health System for sponsoring this post on emergency care written by Dr. Travis Anderson, ER Medical Director, Northern Nevada Medical Center. Read our disclosure.
Disclaimer: If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
NOW OPEN!
When it comes to taking care of our children, we want to know there are convenient resources available in our community. As a dad to two young boys and an emergency department physician, I know all too well that accidents and injuries happen.
That is why we are excited to expand emergency care services to Northwest Reno with the now open, ER at McCarran NW, an extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center.
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What is a Freestanding Emergency Department (FED)?
Our new freestanding emergency department (FED) will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is located at 10290 N. McCarran Blvd. next to Staples and Discount Tire.
So, what exactly is a FED? In brief, the facility is a stand-alone emergency department. It is nearly identical to what you may have experienced at a hospital emergency department.
We will offer the same services and the facility is staffed with board-certified physicians and emergency trained nurses.
Additionally, we will have onsite laboratory services and diagnostic imaging including CT, X-Ray and ultrasound.
Because this is a unique facility opening in our community, we want to ensure families understand when you would use an emergency department and what to expect.
What to Expect from the ER at McCarran NW
We are so excited for the new emergency care center in Reno-Sparks. Here are some frequently asked questions so you can make an informed decision for your family.
Q: What conditions are treated at the FED?
A: The FED provides treatment for serious, sometimes life-threatening emergency medical conditions including abdominal pain, chest pain, respiratory distress, broken bones or dislocated joints, serious infections, injuries, stroke symptoms, and more.
Additionally, we encourage you to call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening condition. For children that may involve trouble breathing and/or turning blue, seizures, loss of consciousness or non-responsiveness, uncontrolled bleeding, head injury, fractures where the bone is sticking out, possible poisoning, or similar.
Q: Who can use the FED?
A: We will treat all patients at this facility including infants, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Our facility will also include a pediatric treatment room for our youngest patients to feel comfortable.
Q: Can the FED treat critically ill or injured patients?
A: Yes. We have the ability to treat and stabilize critical patients. If the patient requires hospital admission, we will transfer the patient through our EMS partner, REMSA.
If a patient is transferred, our facility will cover the cost of the transfer.
Q: Are wait-times long at the FED?
A: We encourage patients to visit NNMC.com for current wait times at both of our ER locations. At the FED, we anticipate low-wait times and oftentimes patients are immediately placed in a treatment area.
Q: What COVID-19 protections are in place at the FED?
A: Yes. The same protocols as our hospital in Sparks will be in place at the FED. This includes thorough cleaning in between each patient, anyone inside the building will be required to wear a face covering, screening will occur prior to entering the building, and social distancing in all sitting areas and hallways.
More importantly, we want parents to feel comfortable when seeking emergency care so here are some recommendations if you are preparing to visit an ER.
6 Tips for Parents: Preparing to Go to the ER
We understand emergencies happen quickly and our team of trained staff will support you throughout your visit. Here are 6 tips for parents to prepare for any emergency care trip.
Know The Details
Know the details of your child or family member’s condition such as when it began, symptoms, treatments and medications you have already tried, and whether the patient has been able to eat or drink.
Medical History
Be familiar with the patient’s medical history, allergies, and any medications they are currently taking. We advise having this information written down on a wallet-sized card that you always have available.
Translation
If you require translation services, do not worry, all emergency departments offer translator services available in numerous languages. Never let a language barrier deter you from receiving care.
Comfort Items
If your child is the patient, we suggest bringing a comfort item. Many kids get squirrely when having to wait for results. If you are able, bring a book or special item such as a blanket or stuffed animal to help your child feel comfortable. All of our treatment rooms have television for entertainment.
Ask Questions
Our staff are here to listen to your concerns and help reduce stress during your visit. Being in an ER can increase anxiety for children and adults. The staff at the ER at McCarran NW are trained to guide you during your visit and will ensure you are comfortable under our care.
Follow-Up
We encourage you to follow-up with your family medicine provider or pediatrician after your ER visit. Our staff will also follow-up with your provider or offer recommendations if you do not have an assigned provider. It is important to align with your family medicine provider so they can provide recommendations, where appropriate.
ER at McCarran NW, an extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center
As parents, we have our work cut out for us when it comes to raising kids and preventing emergencies.
However, if you find yourself in an emergency, try to remain calm and allow the skilled staff at your local emergency department to guide you during your visit.
We are very excited about the new emergency care facility to open in Reno-Sparks. We always advise someone to dial 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.
Are you excited for a new emergency care option to come to Northern Nevada?
The ER at McCarran NW is opening soon. For online wait-times and more information, visit nnmc.com/er.