Emergency Department

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About the Buffalo Hospital Emergency Department

The Buffalo Hospital emergency room (ER) is a Level IV Trauma Center. This means we have the expertise and resources to provide a high level of 24/7 emergency care near you.

We treat a range of conditions, including severe chest pain, breathing problems, heavy bleeding, and sudden or severe pain. 

Using advanced technology, our highly trained staff are experts in resuscitating and stabilizing critically ill and injured patients. Our board-certified emergency medicine doctors are part of Emergency Physicians Professional Association (EPPA) and have a proven record for excellent patient care and satisfaction.

Because we’re part of the Allina Health network of care, you have quick access to the same neurologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians and other specialists that are available in larger metro hospitals. And because we’re your local hospital, you can expect patient-centered care from a committed team that knows your community.

What to expect

Upon arrival, your condition is assessed so patients with the most urgent needs are seen first. We will quickly begin tests and treatment. Once stabilized, you may be released to go home or be admitted to the hospital. If you need additional critical care, we will quickly and safely transport you to a higher-level critical care hospital.

If you need a prescription before going home, InstyMeds, an automated system that dispenses prescriptions, is available in our lobby.

Good to know

Mental Health assessment and referral: Questions and answers

Assessment and referral is a hospital-based service that responds to mental health or substance abuse crisis. Services are provided in the hospital emergency department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Stroke ready

Buffalo Hospital is designated stroke ready by the state of Minnesota. That means we are prepared to evaluate, stabilize and provide life-saving emergency treatment to patients who exhibit symptoms of stroke. Learn the signs of stroke.

TeleHealth services

We have special video conferencing technology that allows top specialists at metro hospitals to examine patients with certain serious conditions, any day, any time. Using this technology, specialists see and interact with the patient as if they are in the same room. It allows for faster diagnosis and start of treatment than if the patient traveled further for care. Patients get access to specialized emergency care close to home, eliminating unnecessary travel.

• TeleStroke services bring expert stroke care into the exam room. Working with neurologists at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, medical staff stabilize stroke patients and give life-saving medications.
• After evaluation by an emergency room provider, patients experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis may receive a telehealth mental health assessment and referral.

Good for treating

Emergency room patients generally have symptoms that are more complicated than urgent care conditions. Some of these symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

• severe chest pain/cardiovascular/heart emergencies
• dizziness
• breathing difficulty
• sudden or severe pain
• head/brain injury, brain injury
• stroke/neurological emergencies
• seizure
• loss of consciousness
• confusion or inability to speak
• speech problems or slurred speech
• deep or complicated cuts
• severe bleeding
• poisoning
• major burns 
• broken bones
• severe abdominal pain  
• high fever
• severe eye injury or sudden blindness
• carbon monoxide exposure
• partial or full paralysis
• rape
• suicidal behavior
• mental health or substance abuse crisis