Emergency Room

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Medical emergencies are not black and white. We understand that it can be difficult sometimes to determine whether your symptoms require a trip to the emergency room or an appointment with your primary care provider.

While emergencies can present in many ways, the following symptoms are a sign that you should seek emergency medical care right away.

• Chest pain
• Coughing or throwing up blood
• Difficulty breathing
• Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
• High fever that is not decreasing with medication
• New confusion
• Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of your body
• Persistent vomiting
• Potential broken bones
• Seizures
• Serious burns
• Severe allergic reactions, such as those that cause swelling or trouble breathing or swallowing
• Sudden limited mobility
• Unconsciousness

It can sometimes be confusing to know which symptoms require a trip to the ER. If you are experiencing an illness or injury that isn’t life-threatening, primary care may be an alternative care option. This alternative is best for:

• Non-urgent medical concerns
• Ongoing care related to a chronic illness
• Physical exams
• Treatment for mild illnesses or injuries

ER Wait Times

When you or a family member has an emergency, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the ER waiting room. Our average ER wait time from emergency room arrival to being seen by a provider is less than the national average. We believe in being transparent with our ER wait times. You can always check our live wait time widget for a rolling average of the last four hours. Please note that wait times can change rapidly and are provided to you as information but are not guaranteed.

View Wait Time by Location

Nationally Recognized Heart & Trauma Care

Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas has been recognized by national, top-tier medical associations for the quality of care delivered in our emergency rooms.

• Certified Primary Stroke Center: The emergency room at Highpoint Health – Sumner is a Certified Primary Stroke Center recognized by The Joint Commission and the American Stroke Association. This certification means that our care staff and physicians provide exceptional efforts to ensure the best long-term outcomes for patients who have experienced a stroke.
• Accredited Chest Pain Center: The emergency rooms at Highpoint Health – Sumner Station, Highpoint Health – Riverview, Highpoint Health – Trousdale, Highpoint Health – Winchester and Highpoint Health – Sewanee have all been named an Accredited Chest Pain Center by the American College of Cardiology while Highpoint Health – Sumner has been named an Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. This accreditation recognizes hospital cardiovascular teams for providing the most effective and efficient care for patients with acute coronary syndrome, which includes heart attacks.
• Level III Trauma Center: In 2019, Highpoint Health – Sumner was the first hospital in Sumner County, TN, to receive Level III Trauma Center status from the Tennessee Department of Health. The recognition is based on our staff’s ability to provide rapid assessment, management, surgery, and stabilization for trauma patients.