The emergency Department is the first point of contact for any critically ill patient, needing immediate medical attention. Himalayan hospital provides Emergency and Trauma Care Services to all such patients. An accident/trauma or an emergency is an injury or illness that is acute and poses an immediate risk to a person’s life of his/her long-term health. Emergency and Trauma care patients often present with potentially life- threatening symptoms such as severe injury, burns, poisoning, unconsciousness of known cause, acute chest pain, acute abdominal pain, which is sudden, unexpected and may lead to loss of life or limb. Such patients are in urgent need of appropriate intervention and reach the hospital without prior appointment. Emergency care needs to be provided to all such patients seeking emergency medical services irrespective of caste, creed or paying capacity. Any patient seeking emergency medical services needs to be screened promptly & appropriate care is provided on priority. The level of patient care provided by the hospital reflects the alertness, promptness and quality of care being provided by the emergency department. Public perception and opinion regarding a hospital is also based on their visit to the Emergency department (ED). Our facility at Himalayan hospital accounts for a substantial number of hospital admissions. The Emergency Medicine team strives to stand up to the challenging task of managing a large volume of patients and save each life and limb, every day with dedication.

At present the Department of Emergency Medicine in Himalayan hospital is headed by Dr. Prof Reshma Kaushik and she is suitably assisted by other faculty members and residents in smooth functioning of the department. Department of Emergency Medicine at Himalayan hospital is equipped with following supporting units:

(a) Main ER (18 beds), Paediatrics ER – 03 beds, Neonatal ER – 01 bed

(b) Emergency Major OT

(d) Emergency ICU – 6 bedded with Ventilator Support

(e) Emergency ward – 34 bedded

(f) Emergency Labour Room

Treatment/Specialties offered by the department

The following is a list of, including most frequent but not all, emergencies with which patients present seeking immediate medical intervention in the emergency department setting. These emergencies are proficiently and skilfully manged by our team of doctors which includes Senior and Junior Residents from Emergency medicine and other specialities:

Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest, which may occur in the emergency room, or in a setting outside the hospital in which case patient may be transported to the emergency room by ambulance while still in this state.
Treatment consists of basic life support and advanced life support such as Advanced Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction commonly referred to as heart attack, is a life-threatening condition which needs immediate intervention which besides other management needs either Thrombolysis/ or percutaneous Trans luminal coronary angioplasty.
Our team of doctors and nurses is equipped with the skills and knowledge to manage this condition within stipulated time frame and prepare for timely PTCA which is available at our Cardiology facility.

Trauma

Trauma, referring to multiple injuries, often from a Motor vehicle crash or a serious fall, is initially treated in the emergency room. At our centre, availability of a trauma surgeon (Dr Ruby Kataria), has resulted in a complete care of such patients. Many patients, who would have otherwise lost their life or limb, not just survived but now hope to lead a near normal life all due to her professional care and continued untiring efforts at their rehabilitation.

Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Severe form, also known Anaphylaxis, is a life-threatening condition which can lead to death if not immediately treated. All forms of allergic reactions, mild to severe, are efficiently treated and once fit for discharge, are also referred to Allergy clinic run at our hospital.

Fractures (Broken Bone)

A broken bone is another reason to seek out emergency care at an urgent care facility. We provide initial treatment at our ED in the form of cast/ sling / slabs and seek speciality consultation where needed to ensure complete and smooth continuation in care of such patients.
Example of other important disease conditions being treated at our ED-

• Vomiting and Diarrhoea

• Lacerations, Cuts, and Wounds

• Breathing difficulty of any type

• Chest pain or pressure

• Severe infections including cases of sepsis

• Acute abdominal pain

• Heavy bleeding

• High or sustained fevers

• Loss of consciousness

• Dehydration