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Emergency Medicine

At Mass General Brigham, we’re here for you 24/7 with compassionate, expert emergency care. Many of our locations across Greater Boston are recognized as adult and pediatric trauma centers, primary stroke centers, or centers of excellence for cardiac care.

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Expert care for emergencies

People experiencing medical emergencies rely on our emergency medicine expertise for immediate, lifesaving care. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room for urgent issues such as chest pain, dizziness, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, trouble breathing or speaking, or severe abdominal pain.

Our dedicated emergency medicine doctors, nurses, and staff have specialized training to manage all types of emergencies. We are committed to providing safe, effective treatment when it’s most needed.

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Our approach to emergency medicine

We treat everything from common urgent concerns to critical, life-threatening emergencies. Our team provides a full range of emergency services to meet your needs.
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Specialized emergency services
Our emergency departments provide state-of-the-art care for traumatic injuries, cardiac emergencies, strokes, burns, and behavioral health emergencies. We even offer telemedicine consults so patients in more remote locations benefit from our expertise.
What to expect at the ER

Arrival: When you arrive, you will provide your ID and insurance information. Visit the ER location page for details about parking and directions.

Triage and assessment: A nurse will evaluate your symptoms to determine urgency. You may be asked to wait or taken directly to a treatment area, where a provider will review your symptoms and medical history.

During your visit: Your care may include diagnostic tests such as blood work or imaging. After results are reviewed, you may be treated and discharged, seen by a specialist, or admitted. If discharged, you will receive follow-up instructions and referrals if needed.

When to go to the emergency room

Go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1 if you experience:

  • Active labor or pregnancy complications
  • Asthma flare
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing up or vomiting blood
  • Head injury with loss of consciousness
  • Heatstroke or hypothermia
  • Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
  • Stroke symptoms (numbness or sudden weakness, slurred speech)
  • Overdose or poisoning
  • Persistent fever
  • Seizures
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Severe burns, dehydration, or allergic reactions
  • Shortness of breath
  • Suicidal thoughts or feelings
  • Any sudden or severe symptoms that could be life-threatening
How to decide between the emergency room and express care

Express care is recommended for non-critical conditions, such as:

  • Minor injuries like sprains or small fractures
  • Cold and flu symptoms
  • Mild allergic reactions or rashes

Find an express care location near you

Our virtual care providers can evaluate and treat many conditions remotely, including:

  • Cold and flu symptoms
  • Minor rashes, allergies, or infections
  • Mild stomach upset or headaches

Specialized care near you

Access care across Mass General Brigham, with specialized services available at community hospitals and leading academic medical centers. No matter your disease or condition, our specialists are nearby and ready to help.
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Giving to Emergency Medicine

Support from patients and families drives advancements in Emergency Medicine. Here, top patient care, advanced trials and treatments, and expert faculty combine to deliver leading healthcare. Your gift to Emergency Medicine helps us to redefine what's possible, improving patient outcomes and advancing scientific discovery.
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Give now

Donate to Emergency Medicine

https://mgbgiving.org/emergencymedicine

Contact Emergency Medicine

Contact an emergency medicine location or specialist to learn about your care options. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
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Find an emergency medicine specialist

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View emergency medicine locations

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International Patient Services

Contact information for international patients

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