Emergency/Trauma

24/7 emergency care

Our Emergency Department provides 24-hour physician coverage, and is supported by 24-hour radiology, laboratory and respiratory therapy services.

Phone: (719) 530-2250
Manager/Trauma Coordinator: (719) 530-2243
Emergency: Dial 911
Fax: (719) 530-2254

Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center is designated a Level IV Trauma Center by the State of Colorado. We are part of a statewide trauma system that must meet the strict requirements necessary to provide specific in-house services to treat trauma patients.

Be Stroke Aware and know the symptoms

Did you know that approximately 80 percent of all strokes are preventable?

Lifestyle changes can contribute to stroke prevention and identifying the warning signs of an oncoming stroke are vital to recovery. The sooner the diagnosis, the better the chances of intervention and recovery.

Phone: (719) 530-2250
Manager/Trauma Coordinator: (719) 530-2243
Emergency: Dial 911
Fax: (719) 530-2254

24/7 Emergency Care

When to seek emergency service

We have found that one of the biggest roadblocks to critical care access is people’s hesitation as to whether or not their situation is an emergency. Time is of the essence in these situations, and deciding whether or not you need a hospital costs valuable seconds. It is recommended that you take a first aid class so that you can better spot signs of an emergency and take action right away.

Below are indicators you should seek emergency care:

• Profuse bleeding that will not stop
• Suicidal feelings
• Acute stomach pain
• Sudden blurred vision
• Fainting or blacking out
• Difficulty walking
• Chest pains and/or difficulty breathing
• Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
• Sudden sense of confusion

Call 911 immediately at the first sign of one of these emergent symptoms. By taking an ambulance, rather than driving yourself, the patient can receive emergency care on the way to the hospital.

Please note: The HRRMC Buena Vista Health Center offers a Walk-in Clinic Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., for non-emergent care. Patients are seen for minor medical concerns on a first-come, first-served basis and pricing is the same as during the clinic’s regular business hours. For clinic prices and all pricing info, please call (719) 530-2475.

Price transparency

In an effort to help you understand your healthcare options and the cost of care, we are providing information about pricing in the HRRMC Emergency Department. These prices do not include any additional services, such as blood tests or imaging tests that may be ordered for you. Your final bill will include charges for the actual services provided for you.

HRRMC Emergency Department Facility Charge (Level of care is based on patient acuity and the resources needed to care for that patient)

1. Level 1 - $245
2. Level 2 - $360
3. Level 3 - $438
4. Level 4 - $519
5. Level 5 - $623

HRRMC Emergency Department Physician Charge:

1. Level 1 - $171
2. Level 2 - $231
3. Level 3 - $382
4. Level 4 - $554
5. Level 5 - $801

Disclaimer

If you are covered by health insurance, please contact your health insurer to determine accurate information about your financial responsibility for a particular service provided at our facility. If you are not covered by health insurance, please contact our Financial Counselors at (719) 530-2475 to discuss payment options, as posted prices may not reflect the actual amount of your financial responsibility.

Our patients can be assured that we are able to quickly and efficiently evaluate and provide care. Patients who are severely injured are stabilized at HRRMC for transfer to Level I and Level II Trauma Centers, with which we have established transfer contracts. Helicopter transfers to advanced trauma centers in Denver and Colorado Springs are provided by REACH Air Medical Services, which has a local base in Chaffee County. Fixed-wing transfers are supplied by several flight services. Ground transport is provided by Chaffee County EMS and other EMS agencies as needed.

Medication Disposal Kiosk for Community

HRRMC is excited to announce its adoption of a program to accept unused or expired prescription medications for safe disposal.

This drop-off kiosk is conveniently located in the lobby of the Emergency Department at the main hospital campus at 1000 Rush Drive in Salida. A photo of the kiosk location is below.

Any patient of the hospital or clinics, community member or members of the public can utilize this kiosk safely and anonymously.

HRRMC adopted this program as a way to help prevent prescription drug abuse, accidental overdose, unsafe use of expired medications and to minimize improper disposal of medications.

Please note that community members must use this service directly, and cannot ask their medical providers, nurses or other HRRMC staff to drop off unused or expired medication on their behalf.

Process for dropping off medications: For consumer drop-off use, all medications should be contained in outer packaging, such as bottles, sealed bags or jars. Loose liquids and loose pills cannot be accepted. Anyone using this kiosk should also remove any sensitive, personal health information on bottles or containers prior to dropping them into the kiosk.

Where should I go for care?

Not sure what clinic you should go to? HRRMC has created the chart below to help you choose the appropriate level of care needed for a number of different conditions. This chart will help you to choose the most affordable and accessible option.

(Click here for chart image)