Emergency Care

When seconds matter, we're there for you

Our approach to emergency care

When a medical concern arises, especially one that requires emergency care, our doctors are ready to help. WellSpan's emergency departments have over 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, including board-certified emergency medicine doctors, who provide compassionate emergency care for individuals of all ages in six hospitals across South Central Pennsylvania. We're equipped to handle serious injuries and life-threatening conditions.

Conditions we treat

You can count on our team to deliver the highest level of acute care for a wide range of medical emergencies, including:

heart attack/chest pain
abdominal pain
head injuries
stroke, loss of movement or sudden paralysis
loss of consciousness
bleeding
wounds
broken bones or dislocated joints
repeated vomiting
seizures
poisoning
substance use disorders
mental health emergency

What to expect during your emergency department visit

Check-in: A customer service ambassador will take your name and the reason for your visit. You will be given a plastic ID bracelet to wear and directed to the waiting area.
Triage: A nurse will assess your condition. You will be asked why you came to the emergency department and information including your medical history and a list of current medications you are taking. The nurse may also assess your condition by taking your vital signs including blood pressure and temperature.
Exam room: The nurse will call your name and bring you to a room where you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. A nurse or technician will then ask you questions about why you are in the emergency department as well as questions about your health history. Depending on the nature of your illness and condition you may receive diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays. The physician may also request that you be seen by a specialist while you are in the emergency department in order to properly diagnose and assess your condition.
Discharge: When you are discharged the physician or nurse will carefully review your diagnosis and care instructions which may include prescriptions or a follow-up visit with your doctor.

The Emergency Department at WellSpan York Hospital hosts a residency training program for graduate physicians as well as a wide variety of training experiences for nurses, paramedics, medical students and other health professionals. This demonstrates our commitment to educating tomorrow's healthcare providers and to continually improve patient care efforts.

Meet our experts

Over 120 healthcare professionals, including board-certified physicians, provide emergency care. Supported by compassionate nurses and staff members. All here for you during your medical emergency.

Find a doctor

Why choose WellSpan for emergency care?

Whether you come to one of our six emergency departments or call 911, you can count on us to provide the highest standard of emergency care for your or your loved ones.

Level 1 Regional Resource Trauma Center

WellSpan York Hospital is accredited by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation as a Level 1 Regional Resource Trauma Center. It is the only accredited trauma center in York, Adams and Franklin counties, serving more than one million residents and caring for more than 2,000 trauma patients each year. Trauma surgeons coordinate care with neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and other specialty surgeons and physicians who may be needed to care for your needs. Pre-hospital providers, radiologists, pharmacists, lab techs, respiratory therapists, pastoral care, social services, rehabilitative medicine and support staff are also part of the trauma team.

Comprehensive care

WellSpan features over 200 patient care locations, eight respected hospitals, a Level 1 Regional Resource Trauma Center, a Comprehensive Stroke Center with endovascular neurosurgery capabilities, a Level 4 Adult/Pediatric Epilepsy Center, several Primary Stroke Center hospitals, a Level III Nenonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and regional referral centers for heart and vascular, oncology, orthopedic, neuroscience, women's and children's services and behavioral health.

The Emergency Department at WellSpan York Hospital features dedicated pediatric rooms equipped with warming lights, pediatric-sized resuscitation equipment and special monitors to meet the unique needs of children, from infants to teenagers.

Seamless care

Our team works with each other as well as doctors and other healthcare professionals in other medical specialties to ensure coordination of care during and after treatment. Our physicians and staff also work with area ambulance units to coordinate pre-hospital and hospital-based care. Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) teams are available at many of our hospitals. Comprehensive Crisis Intervention and psychiatry services are also available 24/7.

Commitment to quality

We are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients. Our trauma team ensures compliance with the standards of the American College of Surgeons, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the State of Pennsylvania.

Next Steps