Emergency Services

Treating Medical Emergencies in Ravalli County 24/7

The Emergency Department at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital is prepared to handle everything from heart attacks to broken bones with top-notch efficiency and skill. Patient care is available around the clock, and the emergency room is staffed with board certified physicians, specially trained ER nurses, and dedicated support staff. Many emergency patients are treated in the ER and released the same day, while patients with more serious illness or injury are admitted to other departments or transferred for further treatment.

How Do I Know If I Need To Visit the Emergency Room?

It is not always easy to evaluate whether an injury can be treated at home or if emergency medical help is needed.

If you or someone you are with exhibits any combination of following symptoms, it is recommended that you call 911 immediately.

Sudden or unexplained loss of consciousness
Sudden onset of one-sided weakness or confusion
Sudden or severe pain that does not subside
Chest pain
Sudden onset of numbness in the face, arm or leg
Sudden onset of slurred speech
Severe shortness of breath
High fever accompanied by stiff neck or mental confusion
Coughing or vomiting blood
Severe cuts or wounds that will not stop bleeding
A possible broken bone resulting from a fall or other activity

If you are not experiencing emergent or life-threatening symptoms but still need medical attention as quickly as possible, be sure to visit the Convenient Care Clinic.

Things to Know About Emergency Care

Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provides emergency medical services in Ravalli County. Our hospital-based Emergency Medical Services has stations strategically located in Hamilton, Darby, and Stevensville and provide emergency medical care 24/7, 365 days a year. Our EMS Department provides response to 911 calls, inter-facility transfers, and standbys for events. We also facilitate EMS related education including refreshers and original provider classes.

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When You are Brought into the ER

The emergency staff will triage you according to the acuity of your condition. They may hold you in the Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) which is an Observation unit when your stay is typically less than 48 hours. Observation status can occur when your clinical condition has changed, patient safety issues exist, or if extended observation is needed after surgery.

If your condition calls for a more in-depth treatment plan, you may be transferred to inpatient services in either the ICU or Med/Surg floor.

Ways to Help Your Emergency Team

If you know the patient, bring along any prescription medication or current list of what is being taken.
Tell the ER team about any continuing illnesses, food allergies, medications, or any illegal drugs being used.
Trust the emergency team to care for the patient.
Turn the light on in the driveway and the front of your home.
Make sure your house has a visible number on it
Have someone else, if available; wait outside to escort the Q.R.U and ambulance
Secure any pets prior to their arrival
Have a list of medical records (Advanced Directives, POLST)