What is a Freestanding Emergency Department?

Northern Nevada Health System recognizes the need for increased access to emergency medicine and has introduced freestanding emergency departments (FEDs) to the region to offer 24/7 care for our community. Stacy Chavis, MSN, RN, CHFM, Manager, ER at Spanish Springs, An Extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center, explains how these facilities operate and what they offer to the community.

What is a Freestanding Emergency Department?

In the same manner as a hospital emergency department, a freestanding emergency department, or FED, treats a variety of emergency medical needs, including trauma conditions, lacerations, acute pain and other life-threatening conditions. If a patient requires a higher level of care, the FED staff will partner with local EMS providers to transport patients to an appropriate regional hospital of choice.

What type of conditions are treated at an FED?

All FED locations are staffed with board-certified physicians and emergency-trained nurses and can treat all ages and conditions. This includes minor cuts and bruises, acute back pain, acute abdominal pain, acute eye conditions, trauma conditions such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, fractures and sprains, and more.

In addition to the ability to stabilize various conditions such as possible heart attack and stroke, other ancillary services are offered to support patient care. This includes on-site lab draws and diagnostic imaging such as CT, X-ray and ultrasound. Patients can bring in a lab or imaging order to receive quick and efficient on-site testing.

Where are the FEDs located?

Northern Nevada Health System operates three FED locations in addition to our two hospital emergency departments:

Hospital ERs:

Northern Nevada Medical Center
2375 E. Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434

Sierra Medical Center, An Extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center
6500 Longley Lane, Reno, NV 89511

Freestanding ERs:

ER at McCarran NW, An Extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center
10290 N. McCarran Blvd, Reno, NV 89503

ER at Spanish Springs, An Extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center
1511 Oppio Ranch Parkway, Sparks, NV 89436

ER at Damonte Ranch, An Extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center
1041 Steamboat Parkway, Reno, NV 89521

If you are experiencing any medical emergency, call 911 or visit the ER closest to you.