Emergency Room in Artesia NM
Artesia General Hospital
702 N. 13th Street, Artesia, NM 88210
(575) 748-3333 | Open 24/7, 365 Days a Year
If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Medically reviewed by Marshall G. Baca Jr., DO, FACEP, FAAEM, Emergency Department Medical Director, Artesia General Hospital | Last reviewed: February 2026
When a medical emergency strikes, the last thing you want is uncertainty about where to turn. Artesia General Hospital’s emergency room in Artesia, NM is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — including holidays. No appointment. No waiting for a clinic to open. Just immediate, expert care from a team that’s ready for anything.
Whether you’re searching for an emergency room near me, driving in from Carlsbad, Roswell, or anywhere across southeastern New Mexico, AGH’s emergency department is staffed around the clock by experienced emergency physicians, nurses, and specialists trained in adult and pediatric emergency care.
IMPORTANT — Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency room.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room in Artesia NM
Arriving at an emergency room can feel overwhelming. Here’s what the process looks like at AGH so you can focus on getting well.
1. Check-In and Triage
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted and checked in at the front desk. A triage nurse will assess your condition right away to determine the urgency of your care. Patients with the most critical needs are seen first, regardless of arrival order.
2. Assessment and Treatment
Once in a treatment area, a physician will evaluate you, order any necessary tests — imaging, labs, or monitoring — and begin a care plan. Our team coordinates quickly to diagnose and treat your condition without unnecessary delays.
3. What to Bring
If your situation allows, bring the following:
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A list of current medications and dosages
- Any known allergies
- Names and contact information for your primary care provider
- A trusted family member or friend if possible
Don’t delay coming in if you don’t have these items. Your health comes first. Our team can assist with billing and insurance after you’ve been treated.
Signs You May Be Having a Medical Emergency
Not every illness requires a trip to the Emergency Room in Artesia NM — but some do. Trust your instincts. If something feels seriously wrong, don’t wait.
Heart and Chest
- Chest pain, pressure, tightening, or squeezing — especially with sweating, nausea, or arm pain
- Sudden shortness of breath with no clear cause
- Rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat that comes on suddenly
Neurological / Stroke Symptoms
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg — especially on one side of the body
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
- Loss of balance, coordination, or ability to walk
Act FAST: Face drooping — Arm weakness — Speech difficulty — Time to call 911.
Trauma and Injury
- Head injury with loss of consciousness, confusion, or persistent vomiting
- Severe bleeding that cannot be controlled with pressure
- Suspected broken bones, dislocations, or spinal injuries
- Deep lacerations that may require stitches or surgery
- Burns covering large areas or involving the face, hands, feet, or genitals
Respiratory
- Difficulty breathing or speaking in full sentences
- Severe asthma or allergic reaction not responding to medication
- Signs of anaphylaxis: hives, swelling of the face or throat, inability to swallow
Abdominal and Digestive
- Severe or sudden abdominal pain, especially with rigidity or tenderness
- Vomiting blood or blood in the stool
- Symptoms of appendicitis: sharp pain starting near the navel and moving lower right
Mental Health Emergencies
A mental health crisis is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm, a psychotic episode, or a psychiatric crisis, AGH’s behavioral health team provides emergency psychiatric evaluation and support.
Pediatric Emergencies
- High fever in an infant under 3 months (100.4°F or higher)
- Febrile seizure or any seizure in a child
- Difficulty breathing, persistent crying, or sudden unusual lethargy in children
- Suspected poisoning or accidental ingestion
- Severe allergic reaction in a child
What to Do While Waiting for 911
In a life-threatening emergency, every minute matters. If you’ve called 911, here are steps to take while help is on the way:
- Stay calm and stay on the line with the 911 dispatcher — they can guide you in real time
- Unlock your front door or send someone outside to flag down the ambulance
- Do not move someone with a suspected spinal or neck injury unless they are in immediate danger
- Apply steady, firm pressure to any severe bleeding using a clean cloth
- If the person is unconscious and not breathing and you know CPR, begin chest compressions
- Do not give food, water, or medications unless instructed by the dispatcher
- Have a list of current medications ready for when EMS arrives
Not Sure If It’s an Emergency?
When in doubt, come in. Our team would rather see you and send you home than have you wait at home with something serious. Our ER is here for exactly those moments of uncertainty.
Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care: How to Decide
Choosing between the ER and urgent care comes down to severity. Here’s a quick guide:
| Go to the Emergency Room | Urgent Care May Be Appropriate |
| Chest pain or pressure Difficulty breathing Stroke symptoms Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) Uncontrolled bleeding Loss of consciousness Severe head injury Suicidal thoughts or psychiatric crisis | Minor cuts or bruises Mild fever without other symptoms Sore throat, cold, or mild flu Minor sprains or strains Ear or sinus infections UTI symptoms Rashes without systemic symptoms |
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always safer to come to the ER. Our team can assess the situation and connect you with follow-up care through AGH’s network of providers.
Emergency Room Artesia NM: What Patients Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what patients across southeastern New Mexico have shared about their experience at AGH’s emergency room:
| ★★★★★ Google Review “Best hospital ever. I live in Roswell and when I need to go to an emergency room I drive to Artesia. The care and treatment I received was wonderful. I highly recommend them. Jessica Scoggin, one of the nurses, was amazing with us. She’s definitely a keeper!”— Patient from Roswell, NM |
| ★★★★★ Google Review “As soon as I walked into the building I was happily greeted. Love this hospital and I love the health care providers that take care of my family regularly!”— AGH Patient |
We’re proud of the trust our community places in AGH. Read more on our awards and accreditations page.
Emergency Room Artesia NM: Emergency Care Team
AGH’s emergency department is led by Marshall G. Baca Jr., DO, FACEP, FAAEM, Emergency Department Medical Director, supported by Joseph M. Martin, MD, FASAM, Trauma Medical Director and Jessica Scroggin, RN, ER Director. Dr. Baca is also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine for Texas Tech University Health Science Center in El Paso.
Our Artesia NM Emergency Room team includes board-certified emergency physicians, registered nurses with advanced life support certifications, and specialists available for consultation — all supported by on-site imaging, laboratory services, and pharmacy.
Our staff maintains certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and trauma care. View our full provider directory to learn more about our medical team.
Baca Jr.
Martin
Scoggin
Conditions We Treat in Our Emergency Department
AGH’s emergency room is equipped to treat a comprehensive range of conditions, including:
| Heart attack and cardiac events Stroke and neurological emergencies Traumatic injuries (fractures, lacerations, head injuries) Respiratory distress and breathing emergencies Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) Abdominal pain and GI emergencies | Burns and workplace injuries Overdose and toxic ingestion Pediatric emergencies (all ages) Mental health crises and psychiatric emergencies Diabetic emergencies (hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis) Heat exhaustion and heat stroke |
For conditions requiring advanced care beyond AGH’s on-site capabilities, our team has established transport agreements with regional air and ground services to ensure patients reach tertiary care centers quickly and safely.
Serving Southeastern New Mexico — Closer to Home
Southeastern New Mexico presents unique healthcare challenges. From the energy workforce across Eddy County and the Permian Basin, to the wide distances between communities in the Pecos Valley, access to emergency care isn’t always a given. For residents of Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, Hope, Lake Arthur, Hagerman, and Loving, AGH can be the closest full-service emergency room — and the fastest path to expert care.
Common regional emergencies we see include oil and gas workplace injuries, motor vehicle accidents on US-285 and US-82, heat-related illness during the summer months, and agricultural injuries. Our team is experienced in exactly the conditions that affect this community.
AGH is a DNV-accredited nonprofit community hospital and New Mexico’s only hospital certified as a Great Place to Work®. We’ve proudly served southeastern New Mexico since 1939, and our emergency department remains one of the most trusted in the region.
After Your Emergency Visit
Recovery doesn’t end when you leave the ER. Depending on your diagnosis, our team will connect you with follow-up resources:
- Need a follow-up with a specialist? Browse our provider directory for cardiology, orthopedics, behavioral health, and more.
- Questions about your bill? Visit our billing and insurance page or use our cost estimator.
- Need financial help? Learn about AGH’s financial assistance program.
- Need directions? Visit our parking and directions page.
Emergency Room Artesia NM: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the AGH emergency room located?
AGH’s emergency department is located at 702 N. 13th Street, Artesia, NM 88210. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year — including holidays.
Does the AGH emergency room accept walk-ins?
Yes. No appointment is needed. Walk in at any time and you will be triaged and seen by our emergency care team.
What insurance does AGH’s ER accept?
AGH accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. For questions, visit our billing and insurance page or call (575) 748-3333.
How long will I wait in the ER?
Wait times vary based on volume and the severity of cases. Patients with the most life-threatening conditions are seen first. Our team works to move patients through as efficiently as possible.
Does AGH’s ER treat children?
Yes. Our emergency team is trained in pediatric emergency care and certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). We treat patients of all ages, from newborns through adults.
What should I do if I think I’m having a stroke or heart attack?
Call 911 immediately. Do not drive yourself. Emergency medical services can begin care en route and alert our team so we’re ready when you arrive.
Can I be seen at the AGH ER for a mental health crisis?
Yes. AGH provides emergency psychiatric evaluation and crisis stabilization. Our behavioral health services team works alongside our emergency physicians to ensure you receive appropriate care.
What should I bring to the emergency room?
Bring a photo ID, insurance card, a list of current medications and dosages, and any known allergies. Don’t let missing documentation stop you from seeking care — your health is the priority.
Does AGH have imaging and lab services in the ER?
Yes. On-site access to imaging (X-ray, CT scan), laboratory services, and pharmacy allows our team to diagnose and begin treating patients quickly.
What happens if I need care beyond what AGH can provide?
AGH has established transport agreements with regional air and ground services to transfer patients to tertiary medical centers safely and quickly.
Is there financial assistance for uninsured patients?
Yes. AGH offers financial assistance for qualifying patients. Learn more on our financial assistance page or call (575) 748-3333.
Your Community Hospital. Ready When It Matters Most.
Artesia General Hospital has been at the heart of southeastern New Mexico since 1939. As the region’s only DNV-accredited community hospital and the only hospital in New Mexico certified as a Great Place to Work®, we bring more than clinical expertise — we bring a genuine commitment to the people we serve.Our 24/7 emergency department is here for you at every hour of every day. No appointment. No hesitation. If you think it’s an emergency, come in. Our team is ready!
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or conditions. In the event of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or visit the nearest emergency room. Artesia General Hospital makes no representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of information for any specific individual’s medical situation.