Emergency Services

Our Specialty Programs and Services

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24-Hour Angioplasty Program

When blood flow to the heart is interrupted by a blockage, fast action can be lifesaving. BIDMC’s 24-hour Angioplasty Program offers round-the-clock expertise from a team of interventional cardiologists, catheterization (cath) lab nurses and technicians.

Acute Stroke Team

When a patient presents in the emergency department (ED) with symptoms such weakness, numbness, severe headache or dizziness, the first priority is to determine if a stroke has occurred and if so, the type of stroke. There are two major types: those that involve blockages of arteries (ischemic stroke) and others involve blood leaking from a broken blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). A proper diagnosis is needed, often within minutes, in order to determine the best treatment and give the patient the best chance of recovery.

BIDMC’s combination of the most modern imaging techniques and advanced endovascular procedures orchestrated by an experienced team of neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuro-radiologists allows for proper diagnosis and administration of the most effective and safest treatments.

Emergency Ultrasound Service

BIDMC provides a dedicated, round-the-clock ultrasound service to patients receiving emergency care. Ultrasound can quickly be used to diagnose injuries and conditions, right at the patient’s bedside.

Sports Medicine

The Division of Sports Medicine works closely with the Department of Emergency Medicine to ensure the very best care for adults who arrive in the ED with orthopedic injuries. In addition to being seen by residents and the attending emergency physician, patients with complex musculoskeletal injuries are evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon. A range of imaging services and bracing specialists are also available 24/7.

After stabilization and discharge, BIDMC's renowned sports medicine specialists provide superb outpatient care that includes evaluation and the latest treatments from referrals to physical therapy, musculoskeletal injections via ultrasound, and surgery when necessary. Our sports medicine specialists, available for appointments in Boston, Chestnut Hill, Needham, Milton and Lexington, are affiliated with high school, college and professional sports teams, including in BIDMC's role as the Official Hospital of the Boston Red Sox.

Toxicology Services

BIDMC’s Emergency Department offers the only acute care medical toxicology consultation service within the Harvard affiliate hospitals system. Five physicians board-certified in medical toxicology are on call 24/7 and available to see patients in the emergency department, intensive care unit or inpatient floor. Toxicologists evaluate and manage intentional and unintentional ingestions, acute occupational and environmental exposures, adverse drug reactions and venomous animal bites. All of our toxicologists work closely with the MA/RI Poison Control Center located at Children's Hospital Boston.

Trauma Service

BIDMC is a Level I Trauma Center that takes a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to trauma care. The Departments of Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, Radiology, and Anesthesia, along with Social Work and Physical Therapy work together in the Emergency Department and the Trauma Surgical Intensive Care Unit to provide leading edge care for patients with severe injuries. The BIDMC Trauma Center receives critically injured patients from referring hospitals in the area as well as via helicopter.