Emergency Department
If you are experiencing a health emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Franklin General Hospital Emergency Department, located on the west side of the hospital, provides emergency care due to injury or illness 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our department is certified by the state of Iowa as a Level IV Area Trauma Care Facility.
Our specially-trained team is dedicated to providing consumers with the highest quality emergency care. Our board-certified physicians, as well as our nursing staff, who are certified in adult and pediatric advanced life support and trauma nursing, provide effective and compassionate treatment of injuries and illnesses.
Each year the FGH Emergency Department cares for more than 2500 patients with a wide variety of medical conditions. We utilize a triage system in which patients who come to the Emergency Department with the most serious conditions are treated first.
Our health care team includes 24-hour support by ancillary services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. Our colleagues will provide evaluation and patient care management, utilizing the latest diagnostic testing and referral, when needed, for the next phase of your health care. FGH Emergency Services has the resources to provide initial stabilization for trauma patients while preparing the patient for transfer, if needed. As an affiliate of MercyOne, FGH has the support of the entire MercyOne network of facilities.
Our commitment to you:
- We will work together to coordinate your health care.
- We provide equal access to needed health care, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, handicap, or source of payment.
- We honor your privacy and protect the confidentiality of your health care information.
- We respect your personal values, beliefs, and cultural heritage.
What to do in an emergency
The providers at FGH do not recommend calling the Emergency Department for emergency care. Without an exam, hospital staff cannot provide proper advice or care. When emergency care is required, the injured or ill person may need treatment right away. Calling 911 is the best way to ensure the fastest response to a medical emergency.
What is an emergency?
The American College of Emergency Physicians and the providers at Franklin General Hospital offer general guidelines regarding emergencies. The following symptoms generally are considered emergencies:
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
- Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
- Changes in vision
- Confusion or changes in mental status
- Any sudden, severe pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Suicidal feelings
- Difficulty speaking
- Unusual abdominal pain
Conditions that generally don’t call for an Emergency Department visit and can be handled by a family practice provider the next day include:
- Ear aches
- Minor cuts in which bleeding has stopped
- A sprain, rash or minor sunburn
- An insect sting (unless there is shortness of breath—then go to the Emergency Department or call 911)
- Fever (unless there are convulsions—then go to the Emergency Department)
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Colds, coughs and sore throats