Because an emergency can happen at any time, Medical Center Hospital offers an 24-hour physician-staffed Emergency Department.  Emergency services are provided to patients of all ages from Ector and the surrounding counties without regard to age, handicap, race, color, national origin, religious creed or ability to pay.

Immediate medical attention should be sought for any of the following conditions: chest pain or upper abdominal pain, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, dizziness, sudden weakness or change in vision.   Patients with injuries to the head, possible poisonings or overdose, large cuts, abrasions or suspected fractures, severe or persistent vomiting, suicidal or homicidal feelings should also seek immediate medical attention.

If you are not sure whether a condition is serious, it is always better to be cautious and seek medical help.

Emergencies do not occur on a scheduled basis, and several patients may arrive at the same time.  In such instances, priorities are set through a system known as triage which ensures that the more seriously injured or critically ill patients are taken care of first.  The information supplied by the patient enables Medical Center Hospital personnel to render treatment as effectively and as rapidly as possible.