TRAFFIC ALERT

Beginning at 7AM Monday, Oct. 5, the west side of the Parkview Place intersection at Lakeland Hills Boulevard will be closed for about 3 weeks. Traffic can enter Parkview Place from U.S. 98/North Florida Avenue or by following the detour.
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If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.

Emergency Care

Expert emergency care for every age and need, backed by Polk County’s only Level 1 Trauma Center

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Emergency Department

At Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center
  • 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd
    Lakeland, FL 33805
  • 24/7
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George W. Jenkins Children’s Emergency Department

At Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children
  • 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd
    Lakeland, FL 33805
  • 24/7
Get Directions

Freestanding Emergency Department

At the corner of 540A and S. Florida Ave
  • 6150 S Florida Ave
    Lakeland, FL 33813
  • 24/7
Get Directions

Obstetrics (OB) Emergency Department

At Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children
  • 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd
    Lakeland, FL 33805
  • 24/7
Get Directions
When to go to the emergency department

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if your symptoms are sudden or severe, or if waiting could put your life or health at risk.

Signs of an emergency include:

  • Chest pain or pressure, or pain that spreads to your arm, jaw or back
  • Trouble breathing
  • Sudden numbness or weakness, a drooping face or trouble speaking
  • Bleeding that won’t stop
  • A serious injury, such as a head injury, a bad burn or a bone pushing through the skin
  • Fainting, seizures or sudden confusion
  • Sudden, severe pain, including the worst headache of your life
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else
  • A fever in a baby younger than 3 months
  • Bleeding, severe belly pain or less movement from your baby during pregnancy

If you think you may be having a heart attack or stroke, call 911. Paramedics can start care on the way to the hospital.

When to go to urgent care

Urgent care is a good choice when you need to see someone today but your condition isn’t life-threatening.

Urgent care can help with:

  • Colds, flu, sore throats and earaches
  • Minor cuts that may need stitches
  • Sprains, strains or a possible broken finger or toe
  • Mild fever
  • Rashes, bug bites or minor burns
  • Pain or burning when you pee
  • Mild vomiting or diarrhea

Not sure which to choose? Go to the ER. It’s always better to get checked.

What to expect when you arrive

1
Check in
When you arrive, a team member will ask for your name, date of birth, and the reason for your visit. If you’re very sick or badly hurt, we’ll start caring for you right away and finish the paperwork later.
2
Nurse triage
Next, a nurse will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature and ask about your symptoms. This step is called triage. It helps us decide who needs care first. We see patients based on how sick or hurt they are, not the order they arrive.
3
Receive care
A doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner will examine you and talk with you about your symptoms. You may need tests, such as blood work or X-rays, to help find the cause. Once your care is done, you’ll either go home with instructions or stay in the hospital for more care.

We’re here for the “if” in life.

  • Over 200,000 emergency visits each year Experienced in handling high volume without compromising individual care.
  • Level 1 Trauma Center Even the most critical cases are treated locally. Over 4,700 trauma patients a year.
  • Dedicated Children’s Emergency Department Kids are treated in a space built for them by a team that only sees pediatric patients.
  • Geriatric emergency department accreditation (ACEP) Older adults get care built around their needs, with extra attention to safety and comfort.
  • Comprehensive Stroke Center The highest stroke certification a hospital can earn. Fast care protects your brain.
  • AHA Get with the Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Our stroke care is the gold standard, year after year.
  • ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation Fast, proven heart attack response in the critical early moments.

What to bring to the emergency department

Bring these items if they’re easy to grab. But never let a search for them delay your care in an emergency.

Identification

A driver’s license or other photo ID helps us confirm who you are and keep your records accurate.

Insurance card

If you don’t have your card with you, we can get your insurance details after you’ve been seen. Everyone receives emergency care regardless of insurance.

Medication list

A list of every medicine you take, including vitamins and supplements, helps your care team treat you safely.

Allergies list

Let us know about any allergies to medicines, foods or materials like latex so we can avoid them during your care.

Continue care close to home

If you are admitted to the hospital, you can continue receiving care without leaving the region.

Our emergency departments integrate with Lakeland Regional Health’s Medical Center and extensive network of specialists and primary care providers.

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Frequently asked questions for emergency care

Choosing where to go

What's the difference between the ER and urgent care?

The ER treats sudden, serious or life-threatening problems, such as chest pain, trouble breathing or a major injury. Urgent care is for problems that need attention today but aren’t life-threatening, like a sore throat, a sprain or a minor cut. If you’re not sure which you need, go to the ER.

Should I call 911 or drive myself to the ER?

Call 911 if you think someone is having a heart attack or stroke, can’t breathe well, is badly hurt or can’t stay awake. Paramedics can start treatment on the way and let the hospital know you’re coming. Don’t drive yourself if you have chest pain or feel like you might faint.

Where are Lakeland Regional Health's emergency rooms?

Lakeland Regional Health has emergency care at the Medical Center, 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd in Lakeland, and at a freestanding ER in South Lakeland at 6150 S. Florida Ave. The Medical Center includes a Children’s Emergency Department and an Obstetrics Emergency Department for pregnant patients and those who recently gave birth.

Are your emergency rooms open 24 hours a day?

Yes. Our emergency rooms at the Medical Center and in South Lakeland are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.

Care for specific needs

Do you have an ER just for children?

Yes. The Children’s Emergency Department at the Medical Center is Polk County’s only ER just for kids. It’s designed to help children and their families feel safe and calm. If your child needs specialty care, we collaborate with Nemours Children’s Health pediatric specialists.

Where should I go for an emergency during pregnancy?

Go to the Obstetrics Emergency Department at Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children. It cares only for pregnant patients and those who recently gave birth, and it’s staffed by OB-GYNs, doctors who specialize in pregnancy and childbirth. Come in for problems like bleeding, severe belly pain, leaking fluid or less movement from your baby.

What makes your ER senior-friendly?

Older adults often have different needs in an emergency. They may take several medicines, have a higher risk of falls or find a busy ER hard to hear or see in. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) accredited us as a Geriatric Emergency Department for meeting these needs.

What is a Level I Trauma Center, and why does it matter?

A Level I Trauma Center can care for the most serious injuries, such as those from car crashes or major falls, at any hour. Surgeons and specialists are ready day and night. Lakeland Regional Health is the only Level I Trauma Center in Polk, Highlands or Hardee counties, so people here can get this level of care close to home.

Can I get emergency care for a mental health crisis?

Yes. If you or someone you love is in crisis, come to the ER or call 911. Our team can assess you and connect you to care at the Harrell Family Center for Behavioral Wellness, which serves children, teens and adults. You can also call or text 988 any time to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

During your visit

How long will I wait in the ER?

Wait times change throughout the day. We see patients based on how serious their condition is, not the order they arrive. So people with life-threatening problems are seen first. If your symptoms get worse while you wait, tell a team member right away.

Can a family member stay with me?

Yes, in most cases. Your care team may ask visitors to step out during some tests or treatments. See our visitation and companion policy.

Cost and insurance

Will you treat me if I don't have insurance?

Yes. Everyone who comes to our emergency rooms gets a medical exam and care to stabilize them, whether or not they have insurance or can pay. Our team can help you look into payment options after your visit.

How much does an ER visit cost?

The cost depends on the care you need, such as tests, medicines or procedures, and on your insurance plan. For an estimate, use our price estimate tool. Never delay emergency care because of cost.

After your visit

How do I get my test results or medical records after my visit?

You can see test results, visit notes and other records in the patient portal. Some results may take a few days. To request a copy of your records, contact the medical records department at 863.687.1067.

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