Emergency Department

UCSF Health's emergency department

Health issues we treat at our emergency department include:

• Deep cuts and broken bones

• Difficulty breathing

• Heart attack

• Loss of consciousness

• Mental health crisis

• Stroke

• Sudden or severe abdominal pain

• Complications related to chronic health conditions

For problems that need prompt care but are not life-threatening, visit one of our Bay Area urgent care clinics.

Your ED visit

When you arrive, a skilled ED provider assesses your condition and speaks with you about your symptoms. An initial assessment helps us determine how quickly you need treatment.

At the ED, we care for people with the most serious and life-threatening conditions first. When possible, we offer fast-tracked treatments for minor problems, such as cuts and broken bones.

During your time in the emergency department, you may see:

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Advanced practice providers (APPs), licensed health care professionals

• Medical interpreters

• Patient transport staff

Emergency medical services we provide

We use the latest diagnostic technology and treatments to quickly treat life-threatening issues.

Advanced heart and vascular care

If you're experiencing chest pain, we perform an electrocardiogram (ECG). The test helps us evaluate your heart's electrical activity and diagnose a heart attack.

If you are having a heart attack, our cardiologist sees you for further assessment. We may perform a cardiac catheterization to get a more detailed view of your heart.

If there is a blockage in your artery, our skilled team performs a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to reestablish blood flow.

Full-spectrum stroke care

A neurologist is available 24/7 to assess you if you may be experiencing a stroke. We use effective therapies, including clot-busting medications, to treat all types of strokes.

We may admit you to our Comprehensive Stroke Center, where our specialists deliver prompt, effective care. Certified at the highest level by the Joint Commission, our stroke program provides advanced diagnostics, treatments and rehabilitation techniques to support the best recovery possible.

Age-friendly emergency department (AFED) consultations

If you're 65 and older, you may receive additional assessments from our geriatric specialists, including doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and social workers. Our age-friendly emergency department (AFED)-trained providers:

• Support you during your ED stay

• Communicate with your primary care provider

• Make sure you have the resources you need before discharge

Observation unit

Our emergency medicine specialists may recommend you stay in our observation unit if you need further evaluation or monitoring.

You may stay in the observation unit for up to 24 hours. During that time, we perform diagnostic tests, administer treatment and monitor your condition.

Depending on your condition, discharge from the observation unit may mean going home or admittance to a UCSF Health hospital for further care. Our ED team helps you decide what is right for you.

Support services

In addition to providing emergency medical care, our social work team helps you find support services if you're experiencing:

• Domestic violence

• Homelessness

• Human trafficking

• Mental health concerns

• Substance use disorder

Visitors in the emergency department

You may have visitors while receiving care in the ED. We ask that visitors be limited to one per patient at a time.

Our ED amenities include:

• 24-hour security

• Accessible bathrooms

• Café and cafeteria on the second floor

• Free Wi-Fi

• Waiting room with TV

Hospital admission

Our ED care team may recommend further care at a UCSF Health hospital. If we transfer or admit you to a hospital, we make all the arrangements and transport you by ambulance at no cost to you.