All patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) requesting an examination or treatment for a behavioral health condition will be provided an appropriate medical screening examination, an evaluation reasonably calculated to identify emergency medical/psychiatric conditions suggested by presenting signs and symptoms. This evaluation may require the use of diagnostic aids, symptom specific pathways, and/or specialty consultations.
Emergency Center Behavioral Health Unit is a 19 bed Emergency Acute Crisis Unit. The patients that frequent the unit are in the midst of a true psychiatric emergency. The unit is a safe and ligature free area with continuous security camera observation due to the acuity of patients and their safety needs upon arrival. Patients transferring to this area may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, homicidal thoughts, or be experiencing active psychosis and or hallucinations.
The staff consists of trained behavioral health professionals such as registered nurses, emergency services technicians, psychiatric nurse liaisons, and security officers.
The Emergency Services Technician, under the guidance of a Registered Nurse, is responsible for providing emotional and physical comfort and safety to patients; observing, recording and reporting to appropriate persons changes in patient's condition; performing therapeutic procedures/treatments as defined by the medical center's Policy and Procedures; keeping the unit environment safe, restocking of supplies and checking the operation of equipment. Collaborates with Leadership in developing and implementing the medical Center Culture, Mission, and Goals.