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Emergency & Trauma Care

NOTES: If you believe your condition is life threatening, call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest Emergency Room.
Due to increased demand, wait times may be longer than normal.

When a medical emergency strikes, Beacon Health System is prepared to give you the help you need. Emergency medicine professionals at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Elkhart General Hospital, Community Hospital of Bremen, Beacon Granger Hospital and Three Rivers Hospital are available 24/7. We provide fast, expert care throughout the region, including St. Joseph (IN), Elkhart, Marshall, La Porte and St. Joseph (MI) counties.

Our state-of-the-art facilities allow our medical staff to make fast and accurate diagnoses and provide rapid treatment and lifesaving care. Additionally, we have medical interpreters on staff to help with any communication barriers.

Our hospitals are equipped with transmission technologies that receive real-time patient data from emergency medical service (EMS) providers en route to the hospital. This helps us prepare for patients with serious illnesses and injuries before you arrive.

Memorial Leighton Trauma Center is the region’s only verified Level II Trauma Center. It also works with MedFlight, the only medical flight service in Michiana. Additionally, Elkhart General Hospital is a Level III Trauma Center designation by the American College of Surgeons.

From assistance locating a primary physician to coordinating outpatient services, follow-up care or connecting with community resources, our medical teams work to connect you with care beyond the ER.

On My Way

For your convenience and safety, you can let us know when you plan to arrive at the Emergency Department.

Beacon Granger Hospital

Emergency Care at Beacon: Frequently Asked Questions

If you or a loved one has had an accident or is seriously ill, we understand you may be worried and afraid. Knowing what to expect at the emergency room can help relieve some of that stress. Beacon Health System is prepared to give you the help and compassionate care you need. Below are some commonly asked questions about emergency care.

What is the ER?

The Emergency Room (ER) or Emergency Department (ED) is here for you whenever you need urgent treatment for a medical condition that can’t wait for an appointment with your doctor. You don’t need an appointment, but because many people may be there at the same time, the most critical problems are treated first.

What can I expect when I arrive?

Our state-of-the-art facilities allow our medical staff to quickly and efficiently diagnose your condition and provide fast, lifesaving care. When you arrive, you will talk to a triage nurse about your problem. Triage helps us know how urgent your case is compared to others and how quickly your treatment should begin.

If your condition is severe, you will be seen immediately
We will check your temperature, pulse and blood pressure
While you wait, you may also have lab work or x-rays done
We also have medical interpreters on staff if needed

What type of care will I receive?

Our doctors and nurses are specially trained to care for our most critically ill patients. While you’re in the ER, you will receive any tests necessary to diagnose your illness; you may also see a doctor who specializes in your condition.

You will be treated with any necessary care or procedures that help you feel better and allow you to be sent home
You’ll receive instructions on how to care for yourself at home and prescriptions for medications if needed
If your illness requires more evaluation or treatment, you may be admitted to the hospital
Be sure you or a family member ask any questions that will help you understand your treatment and care as you recover at home
Consider Beacon Urgent Care a good option for minor health concerns, including: broken bones, burns, sprains, allergies, fever, rash, stomach flu, sinus infection, pink eye and headaches.

Consent for Treatment of a Minor Child

Unless a child’s injuries are life-threatening, physicians and hospital staff need parental or guardian consent to treat your child. The Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment of a Minor Child Form (PDF) allows our physicians to administer medical care promptly to your child in the event you cannot be reached. This can reduce unnecessary discomfort for your child. A separate form should be completed for each child in your household.

Download Form

Emergency & Trauma Services

Memorial Medflight

When lives depend on rapid transport, Memorial MedFlight^® is ready to answer the call. Based at the South Bend International Airport, MedFlight and its highly trained critical care transport specialists are available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year to respond quickly and transport your critically ill or injured patients.

Stroke & Heart Emergency Care

Our emergency services — including a specialized stroke team — are here 24 hours a day. A neurologist and other experts will act immediately to evaluate and treat you. Our outpatient and in-hospital rehabilitation for heart and stroke patients and other services are also here to help.

Orthopedic Trauma Surgery

If you or someone you love has experienced a multiple break fracture or traumatic injury from a vehicle accident, fall or other incident, our highly skilled surgeons can help. Beacon’s orthopedic surgeons treat complex injuries that can result from extreme physical harm to bones and joints. This may require fixing fractures, rebuilding a broken pelvis and hip, correcting severe spinal deformities or healing bone infections.

Suicide Prevention and Psychiatric Emergency Services

Memorial Epworth Center's Emergency Services are open and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. If you are experiencing a crisis, please call our Admissions Office at 574.647.8400.

Beacon Trauma Services for Medical Professionals

Beacon Trauma Services has the privilege to provide exemplary trauma care to the community of northern Indiana and southern Michigan. We serve as the district resource for trauma care standards and education. To transfer a patient call 866.262.4247.