Department of Emergency Medicine
Clinical experts in the Lahey Department of Emergency Medicine offer research, training and education in addition to personalized patient care using advanced emergency treatments.
Medical Emergency Treatments and Services 24/7
When you need emergency care, the Joseph C. Corkery Emergency Center at Lahey Clinic and the Emergency Center at Lahey Clinic, Peabody offer advanced emergency care around the clock.
Emergency Care in Burlington
At the Joseph C. Corkery Emergency Center in Burlington, our services are geared to adult patients, and we offer some pediatric emergency and obstetrical emergency care as well.
The Highest Level of Care for Trauma Patients
As the only Level I trauma center north of Boston, we are uniquely qualified to provide time-sensitive, critical care for families in our region. The American College of Surgeons designates only a few select facilities with this Level I achievement. It shows our exceptional readiness, high-quality care, resources and commitment to safely providing advanced trauma care.
Emergency care teams in our Level I facility in Burlington treat critically ill and injured patients. We’re fully prepared for any medical situation that comes through our Emergency Department (ED) doors. We offer private rooms and designated areas for different types of emergencies, such as infection and decontamination, trauma, behavioral health services and others.
Emergency Care in Peabody
As the only emergency department and hospital in Peabody, board-certified physicians and emergency-trained staff in the ED at Lahey Medical Center, Peabody, are available 24/7 as well.
With designated cardiac and orthopedic rooms, the ED is designed to get your condition diagnosed and treated quickly and effectively. In addition, we have a dedicated surgery and procedure center and expanded radiology services.
When To Go to the Emergency Department
You may be having a medical emergency with any of these symptoms:
- Broken bones, dislocated joints or other orthopedic trauma
- Chest pain or other signs of a heart attack
- Severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool, coughing or vomiting blood or other signs of a digestive emergency
- Difficulty breathing
- Head or eye injuries
- Loss of consciousness
- Multiple injuries
- Pregnancy-related bleeding or cramping
- Severe burns, cuts, deep wounds or bleeding that won’t stop
- Severe mental or behavioral health symptoms (thoughts of hurting yourself or others)
- Severe or unusual headache
- Signs of a stroke, including arm weakness, face drooping, difficulty speaking or slurred speech
If so, call 911 or go to the closest emergency department right away.
More About Emergency Care
Tips for Choosing the Right Care Option
Primary care physicians know their patients and their patients’ medical history best. They can diagnose and treat non-urgent conditions such as chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure, minor infections, headaches, muscle pains, minor scrapes and bruises, along with cold and flu symptoms. For these issues, start with a call to your primary care physician's office.
For a sprained or broken ankle, rash and other mild-to-moderate symptoms, going to urgent care can save you time and money.
For any serious illness or injury that is life-threatening or could become worse without immediate attention, you need the expert care of an emergency-trained physician. At Lahey, our emergency physicians are board certified, and our nurses and other care team members have extensive training in emergency medicine.
Fast Track Triage
If your illness or injury is not life-threatening, our fast track triage area gives you improved access to care and less time spent in the waiting room. Our triage nurses can order X-rays, tests and lab work so the results are ready when you see the doctor.
We’ve streamlined our processes to be more efficient and allow us to concentrate on your unique health needs.
Comprehensive Coordinated Care
We use the Epic Electronic Health Record system so our specialists can access your medical history easily. We can see test results, physician notes and other details that can help in your diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care.
If your illness or injury requires additional care, we help you schedule the appointments and tests you need. Our team includes social workers, therapists and home health aides whose main goal is your improved health.
Continued Support for You and Your Family
If you need to be admitted to Lahey, for continued care or an overnight stay, we coordinate that as well. Learn more about ways to plan your care and visiting hours for friends and family.
Act Fast, Call 911
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have a life-threatening illness or injury.
