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Emergency & Trauma

Emergency care just can’t wait. That’s why the staff at St. Luke’s trauma department practices proven patient-flow processes to help reduce wait times. These streamlined processes ensure our time is focused on seeing and treating patients.

Patients needing emergency care should call 911 or come to the St. Luke’s emergency entrance, located behind the hospital at Stone Park Boulevard and Douglas Street. When possible, patients should be brought to the ER by a support person . From 6am-6pm the support person can allow our valet parking service to park their car so they are also able to escort the patient in.

Experienced Physicians, Right in the ER

St. Luke’s emergency department is equipped to meet volume with specially trained staff and two emergency physicians on staff at all times. Advanced, experienced physicians available right in the ER – not mid level providers like other hospitals offer.

Child-friendly Emergency Care

Because the ER can be a scary place for kids (and parents), we offer Siouxland’s most child-friendly trauma department decorated with warm colors, activity areas and other soothing features for little emergencies:

  • Pediatric emergency room sponsored by Children’s Miracle Network, the Ronald McDonald House Charities and other anonymous donors. The room features a colorful mural, calming twinkle lights, a flat screen television and toys to set kids’ minds at ease.
  • Eight other rooms with pediatric artwork and wall-mounted playscapes and activity tables.
  • Pediatric-specific equipment designed especially for kids, including a GlideScope for intubation.
  • Pain-free children’s technology, such as the J-Tip, a needle-free syringe that uses topical anesthetic to numb an area.

New Technology

St. Luke's emergency department is equipped to care for patients in any emergency situation with advanced trauma technology. New cardiac monitors were recently added to all 21 patient beds for attentive care and observation. In addition, the technology in each of St. Luke’s specific departments and service areas is immediately available to patients.

The Francis Kline SAFE Room
A new Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) room has also been added to the department as a safe area for immediate and discreet sexual assault examinations. The Francis Kline SAFE Room, made possible through generous gifts from Mrs. Francis Kline and St. Luke's Partners, is the only room of its kind in the county. It’s a place where assault victims can go for the most sensitive medical care and forensic examination, with compassionate care provided by St. Luke's specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.

When Should I go to the ER?

Knowing when a minor injury is really an emergency can be tough. If you ever doubt whether to see your physician or come to St. Luke’s emergency room, contact
My Nurse. My Nurse is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 279-3333 or by email for guidance on medical issues and treatment. My Nurse can also help you find a doctor or clinic.

In addition, the Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center is available at
1-800-222-1222.for poisoning emergencies and prevention tips. All services are free and confidential.