Medical emergencies arise suddenly and without warning. That's why the community can take comfort in knowing Wake Forest Baptist Health Lexington Medical Center's Emergency Department is available 24-hours-a-day for the treatment of medical, cardiac and trauma situations.

Board-certified emergency medicine physicians from Wake Forest Baptist Health staff the Emergency Department.

In addition to emergent care, the Emergency Department offers a Fast Track service for the treatment of minor illnesses and injuries; therefore, you may not be seen in order of arrival. Fast Track is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am - 1am and Monday thru Thursday from 10 am - 10 pm.

What is a Medical Emergency?

The purpose of any Emergency Department is to save lives. An emergency is any medical problem that could cause death or permanent injury if not treated quickly. Severe pain in some instances can also be a medical emergency, such as the pain associated with kidney stones or appendicitis.

Some examples of medical emergencies are:

  • Chest pain accompanied by sweating, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, radiating pain that moves to the arm or neck, dizziness, or feeling that your heart is beating irregularly or too fast
  • Choking
  • Severe bleeding that doesn't stop after 15 minutes of direct pressure
  • Fainting
  • Broken or displaced bones
  • Swallowing poison
  • Burns
  • Suddenly not being able to walk, speak, or move a portion of your body
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing

The Emergency Department treats the critically ill and injured first

All Emergency Department patients should be assessed by a triage nurse within 20 minutes of arrival.

  • 24-hour-a-day physician coverage
  • Private treatment rooms
  • Trauma rooms equipped with advanced patient monitoring equipment
  • An Imaging Department adjacent to the ED, with easy access to X-ray, CT and MRI
  • A full-service, 24-hour laboratory
  • 24-hour access to specialized surgeons
  • Fast Track for treatment of minor illnesses and injuries
  • A helipad for patient transport to area trauma centers
  • Participation with most insurance plans

Our Staff

  • Board-certified emergency medicine physicians
  • 24-hour access to specialty physicians
  • Emergency Department nurses:
    • Certified in American Health Association Advanced Cardiac LifeSupport (ACLS)
    • Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification
    • Trauma Nursing Core Curriculum Certification
    • Emergency Nursing Pediatric Core Curriculum
    • Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification

Lexington Medical Center's Emergency Department provides treatment to all patients regardless of their ability to pay.