Emergency Department
On this page
Do you need ER services?
If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical situation, call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately.
Our Emergency Department is located at 702 N. 13th Street in Artesia, New Mexico.
For less severe, but still urgent problems, you are welcome to use our walk-in clinic, Memorial Family Practice, which is also located at the same address. If you are unsure, the safest option is to come in to the Emergency Department.
Overview
When a medical emergency happens, every second counts. You need expert care, fast. At Artesia General Hospital, our Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing immediate, life-saving care for patients throughout southeastern New Mexico. Our dedicated team of physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners is always ready to handle any medical crisis with skill, speed, and compassion.
We understand that a visit to the ER can be a stressful and frightening experience. Our commitment is to provide not only the highest level of medical care but also comfort and clear communication for you and your family.
If you believe you are experiencing a life-threatening medical situation, call 911 immediately. It is critical to come to the Emergency Department for any severe or sudden symptoms, including:
- Chest pain or pressure, or symptoms of a stroke (e.g., facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech)
- Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Major injuries, such as broken bones, deep cuts, or head trauma
- Sudden confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
- High fever that doesn’t respond to medicine, especially in children and the elderly
For less severe illnesses and injuries, an walk-in clinic such as Memorial Family Practice or your primary care provider may be an appropriate choice. But if you are ever in doubt, it is always safest to come to the ER.
Why Trust Your Emergency to Artesia General Hospital?
- Physician-Staffed, Around the Clock: Our Emergency Department is staffed 24/7 by a dedicated team of emergency physicians and advanced practice providers. This ensures that you receive expert medical evaluation and treatment no matter the day or time.
- Immediate Access to Advanced Diagnostics: As part of a full-service hospital, our ER has direct and immediate access to crucial diagnostic tools, including our on-site Laboratory and advanced Radiology services like CT scans and X-rays. This allows for a faster and more accurate diagnosis.
- Seamless Admission to the Hospital: If your condition requires a hospital stay, our ER provides a seamless and coordinated admission to our inpatient care units. Our teams work together to ensure a smooth transition, so your care is never interrupted.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you arrive at the ER, our first step is to assess your condition quickly. This process is called triage. A specialized nurse will evaluate your symptoms to determine the severity of your condition. Patients with the most critical, life-threatening emergencies are always treated first.
Our team will work to see you as quickly as possible. We will keep you informed, explain tests and procedures, and answer your questions throughout your visit. Our goal is to stabilize your condition and create a clear treatment plan, whether that means being safely discharged home or being admitted to the hospital for further care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you decide who gets seen first in the ER?
In the ER, patients are seen based on the severity of their medical condition, not on a first-come, first-served basis. A process called triage allows our clinical team to prioritize patients with life-threatening conditions like heart attacks or strokes. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we care for our most critical patients first.
Should I go to the ER or a walk-in clinic?
If you have a condition that is life-threatening or could cause permanent harm, go to the ER immediately. Memorial Family Practice is a good option for less severe problems like colds, minor cuts, or sprains. If you are unsure, the safest choice is always to come to the Emergency Department.
Will I have a long wait?
Wait times can vary depending on how many patients are in the ER and the severity of their conditions. We understand that waiting is stressful, and our team works hard to see every patient as quickly as possible. We will do our best to keep you updated during your wait.
Can my family member come back with me?
Yes. We believe that family support is an important part of healing. In most situations, we welcome one or two family members or support persons to be with you in the treatment area. In certain critical situations or if space is limited, we may need to restrict visitation for patient safety and privacy.
Why would I need to be admitted to the hospital from the ER?
If the emergency physician determines that your condition requires more intensive treatment, monitoring, or further testing that cannot be done on an outpatient basis, they will recommend admitting you to the hospital. This ensures you receive the continuous, around-the-clock care needed for a safe recovery.
Testimonials
I rushed my 6 year old daughter to the ER with a high fever. The whole staff jumped into motion and got her quickly stabilized. I’m so very great full for everyone that was there that night you saved my baby.
C. S.
Jessica Scoggin, one of the nurses, was amazing with us. She’s definitely a keeper!
J. M.
The care and treatment I received was wonderful. I highly recommend them.
B. B.
Best hospital ever I live in Roswell and when I need to go to an emergency room I drive to Artesia.
