Emergency Services

The Sitka Community Hospital - Old Emergency Department has the capacity to treat four patients in private settings. The department utilizes state-of-the-art monitoring equipment throughout and has been certified as a level IV trauma center.

In An Emergency

In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately from any wired or wireless phone. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance. Learn more at the National 911 Office.

Patient Arrival

Patients undergo a triage assessment on arrival that assists staff in determining the severity and urgency of the reason for the visit. Many factors determine the score that is assigned in triage, and those with the most urgent needs are taken to a room first. Unfortunately, this may mean that some patients will have to wait longer than others in the waiting room. During an unavoidable wait, we will do everything possible to care for you and keep you informed of the reasons for delays or anticipated wait times.

Emergency Staff

The doctors staffing the Emergency Department are generally local physicians who are board-certified in emergency medicine or an associated medical field. Most of these doctors are long-term residents of Sitka and are interested in providing the best in services to its citizens and surrounding communities, as well as to visitors to the area.

The nursing staff of the Emergency Department are registered nurses and are required to maintain current certification in advanced cardiac life support and pediatric advanced life support. Many of the nurses also maintain advanced certification in emergency nursing, trauma, pediatrics, and other specialties.

Availability of Services

Sitka Community Hospital - Old does have limits as to the scope of services available to us locally. Should an injury or illness require treatment not available here, every effort will be made to stabilize the condition and make arrangements for transfer to a higher level of care. This may mean travel to a facility outside of the state of Alaska to get the appropriate care. The Emergency Department works closely with air ambulance services based throughout the state and locally to assure safe and reliable transport of patients.

As always, you are the most important factor in your care and recovery. Do not hesitate to ask the physician and nursing staff any questions you may have about your care.