+ Emergency Care
EXPERT EMERGENCY CARE. WHERE YOU NEED IT, WHENEVER YOU NEED IT.
Berkshire Health Systems provides around-the-clock emergency care for North, Central, and South Berkshire communities as part of our integrated system of care, anchored by the advanced level of care offered at the Berkshire Medical Center Trauma Center.
Our Emergency Departments at Berkshire Medical Center, Fairview Hospital, and North Adams Campus of BMC are staffed by teams of board-certified emergency medicine providers, nurses, technicians, and other caregivers, who work together to ensure our patients receive the best possible care in times of crisis. Our Emergency Departments are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that can quickly diagnose stroke, heart attack, and other life-threatening conditions. We also offer emergency behavioral health services and opioid overdose prevention.
No matter which Emergency Department our patients initially visit, they have access to the care they need, whether onsite or through a seamless transfer to a facility with more advanced emergency services.
For life-threatening emergencies, such as symptoms of heart attack, stroke, a head injury, trouble breathing, or severe bleeding, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
For non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that need attention right away, learn more on our Urgent Care page.
- CHECK-IN: A clerk will register you, create a medical record, and provide a wristband.
- TRIAGE: An experienced nurse will measure vital signs, review your health information, and ask about the reason for your visit.
- MEDICAL TESTING: Tests like blood work, urine analysis, or x-rays may be ordered during triage.
- Patients are seen based on illness severity.
- Some patients might be seen first if they are sicker.
- Ambulance arrivals and complex cases affect wait times.
- All patients are our priority; we are committed to your care.
- Our experienced staff will meet with all patients and determine what type of care they need and how quickly.
- Blood work and imaging results are usually available within 90 minutes.
- Average ED visit: 4-6 hours, depending on complexity and patient volume.
- CHANGE: You’ll change into a gown.
- HEALTHCARE: A provider is assigned to care for you, make recommendations, and keep you informed.
- TESTS: Blood, urine, x-rays, etc., may be recommended.
- MEDICATION: Treatments to address your condition and keep you comfortable.
- Staff reviews results, diagnosis, and follow-up care with you.
- Prescription medications can be sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy.
- If admission to the hospital is required, it may take additional hours before you are taken to a hospital bed.
- ED visits are stressful. Our staff of professionals are here to handle every type of emergency.
- High quality emergency care takes time; we’ll keep you informed of waits.
- If your condition is worsening or you have specific concerns, alert ED staff promptly.
+ Emergency vs. Urgent Care
+ Emergency
- Signs of:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Severe Allergic Reactions
- Head Injury
- Trouble Breathing
- Severe Bleeding
- Severe Burn
- Broken Bones
- Poisoning or Overdose
Urgent Care
- Bronchitis, flu symptoms, asthma + allergies
- Pediatric illness
- Eye complaints (including conjunctivitis, pink eye, etc.)
- Ear, nose, and throat complaints (such as earache, congestion, sore throat, etc.)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Rashes, bites and stings
- Simple fractures, sprains and strains
- Back sprains
- Cuts, bruises and wounds
- Minor burns
Make the Right Call
Not sure if you need emergency or urgent care? Call our Nurse Line and our nurses will guide you to the right service.
Learn more about the Nurse Line.Locations
Berkshire Medical Center
Berkshire Medical Center is a Level 3 Trauma Center right in the heart of the Berkshires.
To Learn more about Level 3 Trauma Centers, click here.