Emergency Department
There are few situations in life as frightening as those requiring medical care for critically injured or acutely ill patients. When your life or the life of someone you love depends on the quality and timeliness of medical attention, you want to be where the best possible support is available immediately. That's why it's comforting to know that Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi's Emergency Care is not only here where you need us, but when you need us.
Located at the Main Entrance of Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi the Emergency Care Department has expanded its facilities to provide more treatment areas, greater privacy and more security.
- 24-hour physician emergency services
- board certified, residency-trained emergency physicians on duty 24 hours a day
- highly trained, expert emergency nursing staff
- advanced diagnostic services including CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and EEG
- transport for critical patients via ground or helicopter transport if necessary
To ensure safe and smooth handling of your critical care needs our Emergency Care Department has expanded to include eleven exam rooms and treatment rooms, an isolation room, a cast/orthopedic room and a critical care area. Our emergency waiting room allows comfort for concerned family and friends.
Our partnership with Fairview and the University of Minnesota physicians provide quick access to even more specialized care if needed.
For decades the people of this region have turned to Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi Emergency Care for its leading capabilities in times of medical crisis. When you need us most, we're here for you.
Emergency Care Department - Located at the Main Entrance Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi 750 East 34th Street Hibbing, MN 55746
218-362-6621 218-262-4881 888-870-8626 TDD# 362-6795 (for hearing impaired patients only)
At Fairview University Medical Center - Mesabi, we see more than 10,000 emergency visits each year. Our medical experts treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries. We are open 24 hours a day, every day. If you have a minor illness or injury, the emergency department may not be the best place for you. Please contact your family doctor, or go to the nearest Fairview Mesaba Clinic located in Hibbing, Chisholm, Nashwauk and Mountain Iron, toll free 1-888-353-3441.
Triage
When you come to the Emergency Department, you will first see a triage (TREE-ahzh) registered nurse. The registered nurse's job is to make sure that patients with urgent needs are treated quickly. He or she will decide if your problem is:
- life threatening
- urgent, but not life threatening
- not urgent
Patients with life threatening problems are always treated first. Your waiting time depends on the urgency of your problem, the number of patients ahead of you and the the number of tests you will need. Please understand that patients with more urgent needs must be seen before you.
Exam and treatment
Once we move you to the treatment area, a medical team will handle your care. A doctor will do an exam, order tests, begin treatment and contact your family doctor, if needed. Once you are stable, the medical team will decide whether to:
- send you home with self-care guidelines
- admit you to the hospital
- move you to another care center that will meet your special needs
If we send you home
We will provide written self-care guidelines, and review them with you before you leave. We may also prescribe medicine for you. If it is after pharmacy hours, a partial-fill medication will be sent home with you until your pharmacy is open.
If we admit you to the hospital
We will contact your family doctor or a doctor on call will take over your care.
Common Questions
What is a medical emergency?This is a life-threatening problem caused by sudden illness or injury. It must be treated right away to prevent severe harm. These are examples of an emergency:
- chest pain
- severe stomach pain
- problems breathing
- suddenly feeling dizzy, weak or off balance
- sudden blurred vision
- numbness in the face, arm or leg
- sudden, severe headache
- deep cuts or bleeding that won't stop
- coughing up or vomiting blood
- severe burns
- seizures
How long will I have to wait for care?
It depends on how urgent your problem is and how many patients are ahead of you. Patients are seen according to need. If the triage nurse determines you have a life-threatening crisis, we will treat you right away. If your problem is less urgent, you may have to wait.
Why are patients seen before me if they come in after me?
Patients are seen in order of urgent need. Very ill patients are always seen before those with less severe problems.
When should I go to the emergency department?
If you have a medical emergency, you should come to the emergency department as soon as possible. If your problem is not an emergency, contact your doctor or go to an urgent care clinic.
What do family and friends need to know about visiting?
Family members or friends are welcome to stay in the treatment area or in the lobby. For the privacy and safety of all our patients, the number of visitors must be kept to one per patient. This allows members of the emergency team to perform their duties quickly and helps ensure that we meet the needs of other patients. Depending on your condition, it may be necessary for a nurse or doctor to ask friends and family to return to the waiting room.
When should I go to an urgent care clinic?
If you have a minor health problem and cannot see your doctor, go to an urgent care clinic. Urgent care is for a minor illness or injury, such as:
- a twisted ankle
- a sore throat
- an ear infection
- minor burns
- cuts and bruises
- colds
If you're not sure whether to go to urgent care or the emergency department, call your clinic or come to the Emergency Department at Fairview University Medical Center–Mesabi.
The Emergency Department at Fairview University Medical Center–Mesabi in Hibbing is open 24 hours a day to serve our entire region. Urgent Care Services at Fairview Mesaba Clinic–Hibbing and the Duluth Clinic–Hibbing are open for non-emergencies that occur during normal and extended clinic hours. In addition, Fairview Mesaba Clinic–Hibbing and Duluth Clinic–Hibbing have teamed up to provide urgent care services on alternating weekends. Call 888-353-3441 for a current urgent care schedule.
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INSURANCE/MEDICARE CARD |
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MEDICATIONS - NAMES AND DOSAGES |
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ALLERGIES |
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MEDICAL CONDITIONS |
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PAST SURGERIES |
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NAME OF PHYSICIAN |
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EMERGENCY CONTACT |
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AN ADVANCED DIRECTIVE |
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