Emergency Care

Seek emergency care or call 911 immediately for life-threatening symptoms, including severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden confusion, fainting, stroke symptoms (facial drooping, weakness), or severe, sudden pain. Emergency services are necessary for situations that may cause permanent damage or death.

What should I bring to the emergency room?

• Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
• Health insurance card (insurance cards and, if applicable, Medicare/Medicaid cards)
• List of current medications (all current medications, including dosages, supplements, and vitamins)
• List of allergies (allergies to medications, food, or environmental factors)
• Key contact information (primary doctor, specialists, family, and friends)

 

What visitation guidelines apply to the emergency room?

• Adult patients are permitted to have two approved visitors at the bedside at all times while in the Emergency Department
• Allowance of visitors may change based on the patient’s condition at the discretion of the care provider
• Number of visitors allowed in the waiting room may be limited due to capacity
• No visitation for COVID-19 positive or PUI
• No visitors under the age of 18 permitted
• All visitors will be required to stay in the patient’s room

 

Exceptions:

• Exceptions to visitation will be made based on patient condition and on a case-by-case basis by the department leader and/or House Supervisor
• Additional accommodations will be coordinated to support family presence during end-of-life circumstances as warranted pursuant to West Virginia House Bill 2368

 

WVU Medicine offers comprehensive 24/7 emergency care across multiple locations, including the specialized J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, which acts as a trauma center. They provide care for serious injuries, chest pain, stroke, and complex, and acute medical conditions. Specialized pediatric emergency services are available at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital.