Emergency care

When visiting our emergency department, you'll get access to Alaska's first and only certified stroke center, advanced cardiac and pediatric life support, and leading-edge equipment. In addition to that, we offer stroke screenings certified by The National Institute of Health, as well as trauma nurse coordinators that can provide trauma prevention, education and community during your hospital visit.

We offer treatment based on your condition and need for immediate intervention. Upon arrival, you will be seen by a triage nurse and then be evaluated by an ER physician. If your condition requires it, an on-call specialist may be contacted.

You are allowed one to two visitors at a time, depending on your condition. The primary nurse may make exceptions for certain situations. Before you are discharged, you will receive information about your diagnosis, treatment plan and follow-up care. You will also be given instructions about medications, post-visit activities and symptoms to watch for that would require a return visit.

We offer care for specific urgent needs, including cardiovascular illnesses, pediatric conditions and strokes.

Cardiac critical care unit (CCU)

Critical care monitoring is important if you are recovering from cardiovascular illnesses, congenital and acquired heart disease, heart failure and pulmonary hypertension issues. Additionally, you may need the CCU's services if you are recovering from open-heart surgery.

Our 14-bed unit is staffed with cardiac care nurses and support staff, who support you throughout all stages of care. The CCU team also includes:

• Cardiac anesthesiologists
• Cardiologists
• Cardiothoracic surgeons
• Hospitalists
• Intensivists

Specialists are available 24/7 to help evaluate and manage your care by using:

• Cardiac catheterization procedures
• Echocardiography exams
• Electrophysiology studies
• Intra-aortic balloon pumps
• Pacemaker implantation procedures
• Ventricular assist devices

We also monitor those who have experienced a stroke, evaluating you for acute inpatient rehabilitation care and outpatient follow-up care depending on the severity of your stroke symptoms.

Pediatric emergency care

Our friendly ER specialists use their pediatric training and equipment to meet the unique needs of diagnosing and treating children up to the age of 17. They understand that a medical emergency can feel unsettling for anyone, regardless of age. As a team, we strive to make you or your young ones feel as comfortable as possible.

Neonatal evaluation and support (NEST) program

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) may occur when a pregnant woman takes narcotics, alcohol or nicotine during pregnancy. Substance use during pregnancy can cause addiction in the mother, as well as in the unborn baby. When the newborn is no longer exposed to drugs after birth, the result is withdrawal symptoms, including high-pitched crying, sleep problems and seizures.

As part of our substance abuse program, the NEST program offers medical management of a baby's withdrawal symptoms. The goal is to help families affected by substance abuse recover in an open and non-shaming environment where respect, honesty, and diversity are highly valued.

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

Our NICU is a department created for newborns who require specialized treatment. When a baby is born with medical issues, or if complications arise during delivery, the baby is immediately passed from the labor and delivery unit to the adjacent NICU.

We are able to care for newborns as young as 32 weeks' gestation. Our team works to help babies develop and grow strong enough to go home to their families. This team includes:

• Medical specialists, such as cardiologists and surgeons
• Neonatologists, also known as pediatricians specializing in care for sick and premature babies
• Nurse practitioners

Stroke care

Our comprehensive stroke center is ready to quickly evaluate and start treatment if you are experiencing stroke symptoms. Working with the ER team, we first administer "clot-busting" medication. After stabilizing in our ER, you will be diagnosed and evaluated for a higher level of care as needed. Surgery, endovascular neuroradiology and other neurological procedures may be recommended.

Our goal is to minimize the effects of stroke and other neurological conditions. For more information about stroke care, please speak with a team member at (907) 264-2332.