What is a Freestanding Emergency Department?

Mike Tobin, RN, emergency department nurse at Sierra Medical Center

A freestanding emergency department, or FED, is similar to a hospital emergency department, but on a smaller scale. A variety of emergency medical needs can be addressed, 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.

What type of conditions are treated at an FED?

All FED locations are staffed with board-certified physicians and emergency-trained nurses can stabilize and 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.

What services are offered at an FED?

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

Where can I find an FED?

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 – 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