Kaweah Delta Emergency Department
Level III Trauma Center in Visalia
As a designated Level III Trauma Center, Kaweah Delta Medical Center provides
24-hour emergency services for illness and injury in Visalia. We are staffed
all hours of the day with a team of in-house medical specialists, anesthesiologists,
trauma surgeons, a full trauma support team, and contracted staffing provided
by California Emergency Physicians (CEP). Kaweah Delta Medical Center
provides comprehensive Emergency care to patients suffering from critical
and life-threatening illnesses and injuries. The Emergency Department
treats over 90,000 patients each year from Tulare, Kings, and surrounding
counties, making it one of the most expansive emergency services facilities
in Visalia and California.
What to Bring
- All prescriptions, over the counter and herbal medications (Tylenol, Motrin,
etc.), that you are taking or a list of all medications noting dosage
and frequency. This list will allow staff to know which medications can
be used to treat you during your stay or which medications to avoid.
- An accurate medical history noting past surgeries or significant past medical
illnesses. Examples: diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), coronary
artery disease, bleeding disorder, hepatitis, etc.
- One relative or a close friend. Leave children at home. This reduces crowding
and allows staff members to focus their attention on care. Healthy people,
especially young children, are more susceptible to illnesses and should
only visit when necessary.
Medical Interpreters
Medical interpreters and interpreting services are available on an ongoing
basis to assist the culturally diverse populations we serve in the hospital.
Medical Interpreters are available to help patients communicate with hospital
and clinic staff. Call the Interpreter Services Department at (559) 624-5902
or (559) 624-5981 for assistance.
What to Expect
Our emergency department process has changed in order to provide you higher-quality
care in a timely manner. Our goal is to keep you well informed throughout
your care process in the emergency department.
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Step 1: A nurse will welcome you and start your care
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Step 2: Registration will begin
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Step 3: Your medical team will talk with you to determine your plan of care.
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Step 4: You will be seated in a treatment area for care. Your care may or may
not include: Lab draws, X-Ray, Medications.
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Step 5: Your medical team will talk to you about your care visit and explain the
next steps of care. Based on your medical team's care recommendations,
you will be discharged or admitted to the hospital.
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Step 6: You will speak with registration to complete your visit.
Where to Go
While the emergency department at Kaweah Delta will never turn away anyone
who comes in, it's important that people know that what is considered
an emergency may not be a true emergency.
True emergency examples:
- Heart Attacks
- Stroke
- Fractures
- Severe Bleeding
- Chest Pain
- Trouble Breathing
- Head Injuries
- Major Trauma
- Loss of Consciousness
- Severe Headaches
- Confusion
- Severe Abdominal Pain
Ailments better treated at a doctor's office or urgent care center:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Rashes
- Certain Coughs
- Runny Nose
Primary care doctors are a person's best provider because they know
a person's medical history. People without insurance have other options
besides the ED, including the Kaweah Delta Urgent Care facility at 1633
S. Court St., Visalia. Call 559-624-6090 to reach the urgent care clinic.
Trauma Center
Kaweah Delta's Level III Trauma Center in Visalia opened in 2009 with
the goal of improving the medical care of patients with critical and/or
multi-system injuries. Since that time the center has greatly expanded
its size and scope of emergency services, including the addition of a
helipad. Patient care is a coordinated effort between surgery, nursing
and ancillary services, and we strive to deliver it efficiently and seamlessly
in our effort to save lives.