Emergency Care in New Jersey

When To Call 911, Your Doctor, or The Hospital

When an emergency threatens a person’s life, limbs or sense organs – such as heart attacks, strokes, breathing problems, broken bones, head and neck injuries, cuts with severe bleeding, and eye injuries – call 911 immediately.

Be prepared to provide the condition of the person experiencing the medical emergency, and location of the person for the ambulance staff to arrive.

It is important to have a list of medications being taken by the patient, if possible, to assist the first responders in assessing the medical situation.

Conditions We Treat

  • Life-Threatening Emergencies: stroke and heart attack
  • Common Injuries: Broken bones and burns
  • Sudden Illness: Severe pain or high fever

The following are warning signs which may indicate a medical emergency:

  • Any sudden or severe pain
  • Changes in vision
  • Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
  • Confusion or changes in mental status
  • Coughing or vomiting blood
  • Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
  • Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Suicidal thoughts or feelings
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Unusual abdominal pain

Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health For Emergency Care

When every second counts, trust the team with the expertise, technology, and compassion to provide the best possible care. Hackensack Meridian Health is the region's leader in emergency medicine. We combine clinical expertise with a commitment to your well-being, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care when you need it most.

Here’s why patients trust us in an emergency:

Board-Certified Emergency Specialists

Your care is always led by board-certified emergency physicians and a team of highly trained nurses and clinicians specializing in rapid diagnosis and treatment. Our teams have the experience to handle everything from minor injuries to the most complex medical crises.

Advanced, Accredited Specialty Care

Many of our hospitals are designated as Level I or II Trauma Centers, Comprehensive Stroke Centers, and accredited Chest Pain Centers. This means we have the proven expertise, advanced technology, and established protocols to provide immediate, life-saving intervention for heart attacks, strokes, and severe trauma.

Dedicated Pediatric Emergency Care

We understand that emergencies are especially stressful for children and parents. Our dedicated pediatric emergency departments provide a comforting, child-friendly environment and are staffed by specialists trained in the unique medical and emotional needs of pediatric patients.

Seamless Connection to a Network of Experts

If you need to be admitted, your care is coordinated with New Jersey's top specialists across the entire Hackensack Meridian Health network. This ensures you receive the right follow-up care without delay, from cardiology to neurosurgery and beyond.

State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Technology

Our emergency centers have advanced diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, X-ray) and lab services on-site, 24/7. This allows our teams to make fast, accurate diagnoses, which is critical for developing the most effective treatment plan.

Resources For Public Safety Professionals
EMS Team Members
Programs For Public Safety Professionals
Our EMS department is proud to serve as a dedicated partner to public safety professionals across the region. Learn more about our programs.
A hand on a person's back, a friend offering comfort; representative of support for mental health conditions and addiction
First Responder Mental Health Resources
We understand that the challenges and pressures of being a first responder take a significant, often unseen, toll. Learn more about the mental health resources we offer for first responders across NJ.
Emergency medical services in NJ
Life Support Training Center
Comprehensive training services including CPR, EMT, continuing education, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patient Resources
Family makes an emergency preparedness plan on their laptop.
How To Create a Family Emergency Plan
Create a family emergency plan. Prepare for disasters; protect loved ones. Get expert advice and resources now.
Preparing for an emergency
How to Prepare for an Emergency
Prepare for emergencies. Learn essential steps for family safety & kit creation. Expert advice from Scott Skrivanek helps you create a plan. Get started today.
emergency care technology
Emergency Care: Trust in Technology
JFK Medical Center's advanced technology ensures faster emergency response times. Experience quicker care and improved safety. Learn more.
Trauma Care
Don’t Resist Going to the Emergency Room: Here’s Why
Since we are in the middle of a pandemic and instructed to stay at home to slow the spread of COVID-19, an unsettling trend is occurring.