Emergency care
Emergency room (ER) in Brandon
Medical emergencies are never planned, but we're here for you when the unexpected happens.
At HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, our 24/7 ER is staffed by highly skilled physicians and nurses who work together to treat medical emergencies for all ages.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Services we offer in our emergency department
Visiting the ER can be an overwhelming experience, so when you're in our care, we want you to feel as supported as possible.
Features of our ER
We offer access to a wide range of specialists, which means if you're experiencing conditions such as shortness of breath or a broken arm, we can help. Our ER features:
- Access to over 45 medical specialties, the most of any ER in eastern Hillsborough County
- Conveniently located main entrance (just off of Oakfield Drive) and a separate entrance for the pediatric ER (located off of Vonderburg Drive)
- More than 70 exam rooms, including areas for express care, obstetrics, pediatrics and behavioral health
- Private rooms and spacious waiting areas
Heart attack treatment
The majority of damage caused by a heart attack occurs within the first two hours of symptom onset, so seeking immediate care is crucial. Our emergency doctors provide treatment for individuals experiencing heart attacks.
Additionally, our cardiology program is designed to expedite initial treatment and offer continued follow-up care after a heart event.
Heart attack symptoms
It is important to be aware of potential heart attack symptoms, which typically appear within 24 hours of a heart event but can begin up to three weeks prior.
Being able to identify the symptoms of a heart attack could save your life or the life of someone you love.
Typical heart attack symptoms include:
- Burning or aching in the chest
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness
- Feeling of doom
- Nausea or indigestion
- Pain in the neck, back or jaw
- Pressure or fullness in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Weakness or fatigue
Heart attack symptoms in women
Chest-related heart attack signs often appear in men, but many women do not have chest pain when experiencing a heart attack, which is why it is important to recognize alternate symptoms. Women more commonly experience symptoms such as:
- Back pain
- Pressure in the lower chest
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained fatigue
- Upper abdominal pressure
When to seek heart attack treatment
Delaying treatment for a heart attack can be very dangerous, and you should call 911 at the onset of symptoms. Even though many people know this is true, they often delay seeking care because they:
- Are embarrassed about "causing a scene" or finding out it was a false alarm
- Are unwilling or afraid to admit that their symptoms may be serious
- Don't recognize the symptoms of a heart attack
- Don't understand the importance of immediate medical intervention
We strongly encourage you not to delay seeking care if you think you are having a heart attack — call 911.
Stroke treatment
We provide fast emergency care for individuals coming to our ER with stroke symptoms. Our stroke team is on-site 24/7 to quickly administer treatment and provide lifesaving care.
Additionally, because of our adherence to evidence-based guidelines for stroke care, Det Norske Veritas (DNV) has recognized our hospital as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. This means our hospital is standing by to provide some of the highest quality stroke treatment available.
Pediatric emergency care
When it comes to your little one, you only want the best. We offer a designated pediatric ER designed exclusively for children. Our specialized team provides advanced pediatric emergency care for kids of all ages.
Frequently asked questions
To best help you, we have consolidated a list of answers to common questions we receive about our emergency care.
When should I visit the ER?
We understand it can be difficult to know whether you should go to the ER or wait for your doctor's office to open. However, we want you to feel secure about your choice for care.
There are a wide range of symptoms that may indicate you need to visit the emergency room, including:
- Back pain
- Broken bones
- Chest pain
- Concussion
- Flu
- Side pain
- Stomach pain
- Trouble breathing
If you are unsure if your symptoms require an ER visit, you can speak to a nurse 24/7 by calling our Consult-A-Nurse® team at (844) 706-8773.
What should I expect at the ER?
When you get to the ER, one of our triage nurses will medically screen, evaluate and stabilize you to assess your symptoms and vital signs. Next, a registration clerk will collect your insurance card (if available) and other information.
If you have a severe, life-threatening illness or injury, you will be treated first. Otherwise, you will be treated in the order you arrive.
Before discharge, we encourage you to ask our emergency care teams any questions you have. It is also useful for you to keep all of your paperwork, discharge information and medicines or prescriptions together after you leave the emergency room.
After discharge, our emergency department staff will reach out to your primary care provider to ensure they are updated on your care.
What should I bring to the ER?
When coming to the ER, we recommend you bring:
- A list of known allergies
- A list of medicines you currently take
- A responsible adult or phone number for someone to contact
- Copies of results from recent medical tests, if available
- Personal care preferences and restrictions
How do I stay updated on ER wait times?
When it comes to emergency services, our goal is to continually work toward enhancing the care you receive, while reducing our wait times. This ensures you get the support you need, when you need it most.
Our wait times are updated every 30 minutes and are available on our website.
To find out the wait times of the HCA Florida ER nearest to you, check the top of our website or text "ER" to 32222.
Note: Message and data rates may apply. ER wait times are approximate and provided for informational purposes only.
Do you have any freestanding ERs?
In addition to our main campus and pediatric emergency rooms, we have six freestanding emergency rooms throughout the area. Regardless of which location you visit, you will receive high-quality care and have access to a range of medical specialties within our network.
Looking for a Location?
Our Emergency care Locations
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