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Emergency Center
When should I go to the Emergency Center?
Whether you call it the Emergency Center, the emergency room, or “the ER,” it’s the place to go when you or a loved one is sick or hurt. At Regions Hospital Emergency Center, you’ll find a team of caring, experienced professionals ready to help you, 24 hours a day.
What’s the difference between the Emergency Center and Urgent Care?
You might think they’re the same, but there are some important differences.
You should come to the Emergency Center if something sudden or unexpected happens and you need attention right away. Things like chest pain, shortness of breath, severe stomach pains, bleeding you can’t stop, or pregnancy-related emergencies. The Emergency Center can handle the most serious injuries and illnesses.
Urgent Care clinics take care of minor injuries and conditions that aren’t life-threatening, like broken bones, small burns, muscle sprains, ear infections and sore throats. You may also want to go to urgent care if your regular doctor isn’t available, or if you think you need care soon, at night, or on a weekend or holiday.
Call 911 immediately if you need emergency care.
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Patients & family
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get in and out of the emergency center more smoothly.
Where do I go?
You’ll find Regions Hospital at the intersection of Jackson Street and University Avenue, just a few blocks from the State Capitol and the junction of Interstates 94 and 35E. The main entrance to the hospital is on Jackson Street. For automated directions to the hospital, please call 651-254-2377.
Regions Hospital
640 Jackson Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
Download the map with directions
Where do I park?
Download the Regions Hospital campus map
Get more parking & directions information.
What should I bring?
If you have time, bring these with you. It will help us help you faster.
- Medications – medications you are taking or a list of your current medications. Include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines (ibuprofen, etc.), medicines given to you by someone other than a medical professional, vitamins and herbal products.
- Medical equipment – medical equipment you need such as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, walker, cane or wheelchair.
- Phone numbers – anyone you may want us to contact.
How long will I wait?
On our website, you’ll see the current average waiting time for "walk in" patients (people who are able to come in on their own). We will see you as soon as possible. Actual waiting time depends on how serious your illness or injury is. "Triage" is the system we use to determine which patients are seen first.
What can I expect?
No matter what you see on TV, our Emergency Center is not noisy and chaotic. The rooms are private and quiet, and we’ll make your time here as comfortable as possible. You’ll be examined by emergency care providers who will order tests or begin the treatment you need.
Can my family stay with me?
It’s up to you. Loved ones are welcome whenever you want them there. If the room gets too crowded, we may ask some people to go to the waiting area, so the staff has enough room to work. Your privacy is important, so if we need to talk to you about something sensitive, we may ask visitors to leave the room for a few minutes.
Where can my family wait?
Most family members wait in the main waiting room. We have a semi-private waiting room for families of patients who are very ill or seriously injured. To protect your privacy, we do not let visitors wait in the Emergency Center hallways.
Who will tell my family what’s going on?
If we have your permission, a doctor, nurse or physician assistant will let your family know how you are doing. If you’re not able to give permission, our staff will speak with your next-of-kin. Your family can see you as soon as you’re ready.
What happens if my injury is worse than I thought?
You’re already in the best place. Regions is a Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. That means we have the best specialists and equipment to care for you.
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Your team
You’ll have one staff emergency doctor responsible for your overall care and a whole team ready to help you in the Emergency Center. If you need specialized care, we can call other departments in the hospital like orthopaedics, neurosurgery, hand surgery, and our burn center. Don’t worry, you’ll have all the help you need.
Emergency medicine staff physician – Board certified specialist in Emergency Medicine who evaluates the patient’s condition and coordinates treatment.
Physician assistant (PA-C) – does physical exams, evaluates patients and orders tests under the supervision of a staff physician.
Emergency center nurse – involved in the initial patient evaluation. Also assists in treatment and continuing care.
Resident physician – a doctor who has recently graduated from medical school and is completing several years of training in a medical specialty. They see and treat patients under the supervision of a staff physician.
Medical students – see patients under the supervision of a senior staff physician. Our medical student rotation program is affiliated with the University of Minnesota Medical School.
How to tell who’s who in the Emergency Center
Meet your team
Awards & recognition
The excellence of care in our Emergency Center has been recognized locally and nationally. Learn more.
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Visitors
If you come with someone to the Emergency Center, you may have questions like these.
How can I find out what’s going on?
When the patient says it’s OK, we’ll be able to tell you how he or she is doing. If the patient is unable to give permission, a doctor or nurse will speak with the patient's next-of-kin.
When will I be able to see my family member/friend?
You’ll be able to see your loved one as soon as he/she is ready. You can be sure your loved one is getting the best care possible.
While you wait, check out this helpful information for patient & guests
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Medical providers
To contact Regions Hospital about referring a patient, call Regions Direct at 1-888-588-9855. You will speak with a medically trained dispatcher who will help coordinate the consultation. To expedite the possible transfer of your patient, please try and give us as much of the following information as possible:
- Patient’s full name and date of birth.
- Patient’s vital signs.
- Labs and images you have done.
- Whether this is a consultation, transfer or yet to be determined, we have specialists available to help you decide the best way to manage your patient. If your patient will most likely need transfer, you will be put in contact with an internist, surgeon or emergency physician who will help you coordinate the transfer.
- How do you plan to transfer the patient? If you’re not sure of the best method, the consulting physician will be happy to advise you on the most appropriate method of transportation.
Additional resources
Regions Hospital is happy to provide these links as a source of information. We are not, however, responsible for the content of these sites nor does this listing constitute any endorsement. If you have medical or health concerns, please consult your healthcare professional for advice.
