Expert Care When it Matters Most
You can never predict when an accident will occur, but you can trust the
emergency experts at University Medical Center New Orleans to be prepared
to care for you when they do. Our team delivers University Medical Center
Emergency Care in New Orleans 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our Emergency
Department doctors, nurses and staff have dedicated their lives to saving
yours, caring for those with urgent conditions like injuries, illnesses
and mental health emergencies.
If you've searched for an emergency room near you or reliable New Orleans
emergency care, you're in the right place. We're here to provide the emergency
medical care you and your loved ones need when every second counts.
Emergency location & directions
Our Emergency Department is located on the second floor of the hospital
at 2000 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112.
Please note: Patients can be dropped off at the Emergency Department entrance.
Free patient parking is available in our garage at the intersection of
Tulane Avenue and South Johnson Street.
Should you visit the emergency department?
It can be hard to know when an accident is serious enough to warrant a
visit to the Emergency Room versus your physician. We’re here to
help you make that call.
Call
504.702.2450 for more information about our emergency services. If you are having a
medical emergency, go straight to the emergency room or call 911.
You should visit the Emergency Department if you or someone you know is having:
- Chest pain
- Large burns
- Heavy bleeding
- Trouble breathing
- Severe head injury
- Knife or gunshot wounds
- Loss of consciousness
- Persistent vomiting and diarrhea
- Sudden change in vision
- Sudden weakness
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Large open wounds
- Abdominal pain
- Problems with pregnancy
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Any concern that an illness or injury may be life-threatening
When to call 911
Call 911 in a medical emergency, such as if someone is unconscious, gasping
for air or not breathing, experiencing an allergic reaction, having chest
pain, bleeding uncontrollably or showing any other symptoms that need
immediate medical attention.
When you call, stay calm and be ready to give them the information they
need, including:
- Address or location of emergency
- A brief description of emergency
- The number of people sick or injured
- A call-back number
How to know if you're having a heart attack
If you're experiencing one or more of the following signs, you may be having
a heart attack and need to call 911.
Symptoms of a heart attack include:
-
Chest Pain. Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest. It can feel like pressure,
squeezing or fullness.
-
Pain in other body areas. Pain in one or both arms, the jaw, back or stomach.
-
Shortness of breath. With or without chest pain.
-
Other signs. May include breaking out in cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Stroke warning signs (Act FAST)
F – Face drooping. One side of face droops or is numb. Ask person to smile.
A – Arm weakness. One arm weak or numb.
S – Speech difficulty. Is speech hard to understand or is person
unable to speak?
T – Time to call 911. If person has any of these symptoms, even if
they go away, it is time to call 911.
Cardiac arrest warning signs
-
Sudden Loss of Responsiveness – Person does not respond to tapping on shoulders
-
No Normal Breathing – Person does not take a normal breath if you tilt their head up
and check for at least 5 seconds
Routine medical needs
Please make a clinic appointment if you have a routine medical need. Visit
our Primary Care page for information on our services.
Frequently asked questions about our New Orleans ER
Do I need to go to the ER?
Go to the ER for any condition that could be life-threatening or cause
lasting harm. This includes chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding,
severe injuries, sudden weakness or a loss of consciousness. If you’re
unsure, it’s always safer to seek emergency medical care right away.
When in doubt, call 911 or come straight to University Medical Center
Emergency Care in New Orleans.
Do I need ER or an Urgent Care?
Choose the ER for serious, life-threatening conditions like chest pain,
difficulty breathing, major injuries or stroke symptoms. Urgent care is
a better fit for minor illnesses and injuries, such as colds, mild fevers,
sprains or small cuts. If a condition could threaten your life or cause
permanent damage, our emergency room near me is the right choice.
What should I bring with me to the ER?
If you can, bring the following items to help us care for you quickly:
- A photo ID
- Your insurance card, if you have one
- A list of current medications and dosages
- A list of allergies
- Your primary care doctor's name and contact information
- The name and number of an emergency contact
Don't delay coming to the ER if you can't get these items. Your health
and safety come first.
Can I go to the ER if I don't have insurance?
Yes. We provide emergency medical care to everyone who needs it, no matter
their insurance status or ability to pay. Federal law requires emergency
departments to screen and stabilize every patient with an emergency condition.
Never let a lack of insurance stop you from getting the care you need
at our ER in New Orleans.
Does LCMC Health offer virtual primary care visits?
Yes! LCMC Health offers virtual care options so you can connect with a
primary care provider from the comfort of your home. Virtual visits are
a convenient way to address non-emergency health concerns, follow up on
test results, manage chronic conditions, and more. Learn more about LCMC
Health Virtual Care →
What is the wait time at the ER?
Wait times can change based on how many patients we’re treating and
the severity of each case. Because we care for patients based on medical
need rather than arrival order, someone with a life-threatening condition
will be seen first. We work hard to treat every patient as quickly and
safely as possible.
What is the Emergency Room triage process?
Triage is how we decide the order in which patients receive care. When
you arrive, a nurse will assess your symptoms, check your vital signs
and rank the urgency of your condition. Patients with the most serious
or life-threatening needs are treated first. This process helps our New
Orleans emergency care team direct attention where it’s needed most.
Does LCMC Health offer virtual primary care visits?
Yes! LCMC Health offers virtual care options so you can connect with a
primary care provider from the comfort of your home. Virtual visits are
a convenient way to address non-emergency health concerns, follow up on
test results, manage chronic conditions, and more. Learn more about LCMC
Health Virtual Care →
What happens when I arrive at the ER?
When you arrive, a triage nurse will greet you and assess your condition.
You’ll provide your information and insurance details if you have
them. From there, our team will take you back for evaluation, testing
and treatment based on your medical needs. Throughout your visit, our
doctors and nurses will keep you informed every step of the way.
Is the ER the same as a Trauma Center?
Not exactly. An emergency room treats a wide range of urgent conditions,
while a trauma center is specially equipped and staffed to handle the
most severe and complex injuries, like those from serious accidents or
violence. University Medical Center New Orleans offers advanced emergency
and trauma services to care for our community’s most critical needs.