Emergency care
Emergency room (ER) in Panama City
When you need timely care, our emergency medicine team is here for you.
At HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, our emergency specialists offer 24/7 medical care for adults and children. Each year, our specially trained doctors, nurses and support staff provide exceptional emergency care to more than 40,000 people.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Our emergency care services
We have developed systems to aid in triage, treatment and stabilization for you and your family.
Emergency stroke care
We are designated as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. This recognition exemplifies our adherence to strict standards when providing stroke treatment. Our emergency physicians are equipped 24/7 to treat stroke symptoms.
If you have experienced a stroke, we provide comprehensive care through our neurological care program. We help you through every step of recovery, starting with your initial assessment and lifesaving treatment and continuing through inpatient and outpatient physical rehabilitation.
Pediatric emergency care
More than 20,000 children are treated in Bay County ERs each year. Almost half of those children are cared for here. The reason our facility is so trusted by the Greater Panama City community is because we provide a seven-bed pediatric emergency department open 24/7 for children in need of immediate medical attention.
Our freestanding emergency facility
HCA Florida Panama City Emergency is an extension of our hospital's emergency care services, serving Bay County and the surrounding community. Our freestanding facility is open 24/7, offering emergency care services to those in need.
Frequently asked questions
To best help you, we have consolidated a list of answers to common questions we receive about our emergency care.
When should I visit the ER?
We understand it can be difficult to know whether you should go to the ER or wait for your doctor's office to open. However, we want you to feel secure about your choice for care.
There are a wide range of symptoms that may indicate you need to visit the emergency room, including:
- Back pain
- Broken bones
- Chest pain
- Concussion
- Flu
- Side pain
- Stomach pain
- Trouble breathing
If you are unsure if your symptoms require an ER visit, you can speak to a nurse 24/7 by calling our Consult-A-Nurse® team at (844) 706-8773.
What should I expect at the ER?
When you get to the ER, one of our triage nurses will medically screen, evaluate and stabilize you to assess your symptoms and vital signs. Next, a registration clerk will collect your insurance card (if available) and other information.
If you have a severe, life-threatening illness or injury, you will be treated first. Otherwise, you will be treated in the order you arrive.
Before discharge, we encourage you to ask our emergency care teams any questions you have. It is also useful for you to keep all of your paperwork, discharge information and medicines or prescriptions together after you leave the emergency room.
After discharge, our emergency department staff will reach out to your primary care provider to ensure they are updated on your care.
What should I bring to the ER?
When coming to the ER, we recommend you bring:
- A list of known allergies
- A list of medicines you currently take
- A responsible adult or phone number for someone to contact
- Copies of results from recent medical tests, if available
- Personal care preferences and restrictions
How do I stay updated on ER wait times?
When it comes to emergency services, our goal is to continually work toward enhancing the care you receive, while reducing our wait times. This ensures you get the support you need, when you need it most.
Our wait times are updated every 30 minutes and are available on our website.
To find out the wait times of the HCA Florida ER nearest to you, check the top of our website or text "ER" to 32222.
Note: Message and data rates may apply. ER wait times are approximate and provided for informational purposes only.
Looking for a location?
Our Emergency care Locations
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