Jacksonville freestanding ERs provides life-saving care

When a medical emergency happens, most people would assume the safest option is a hospital emergency room. What many don’t realize is that freestanding emergency rooms (ERs) are fully equipped, staffed, and licensed to provide the same level of emergency care as a traditional hospital ER. 

Freestanding ERs are not urgent care centers. They are open 24/7, staffed by board-certified emergency physicians, and equipped to handle severe, life-threatening emergencies like heart attacks, strokes, trauma, and respiratory failure. In critical moments, that capability can make all the difference, as it did for Jacksonville resident, Craig.

Craig wasn’t feeling well, and his symptoms were concerning. He was experiencing chest pain and wanted to be sure it wasn’t something serious. Trusting his instincts and knowing help was close by, Craig chose to seek care at Ascension St. Vincent’s Emergency Care - Arlington. That decision would ultimately save his life.

Upon arrival, Craig was quickly evaluated by the emergency team. Freestanding ERs are designed to move fast, with available beds and access to advanced diagnostics. The Arlington ER team performed the appropriate testing immediately, including cardiac evaluation. Craig was swiftly diagnosed with a heart attack.

Shortly after, Craig went into cardiac arrest.

In those terrifying moments, the expertise of the emergency team mattered. The on-site emergency physician, Dr. Hu, along with the highly trained ER nurses and clinical staff, acted without hesitation. Using advanced life-saving protocols, medications, and equipment, the team successfully resuscitated Craig and stabilized him.

Once Craig was stabilized, the ER team coordinated his transfer to Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside, ensuring continuity of care with a nearby hospital that is a part of the same healthcare system. Freestanding ERs that are connected to hospital networks allow patients to receive immediate emergency care close to home and, when necessary, are transferred for specialized inpatient services, without losing precious time.

After his recovery at Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside, Craig returned to the ER in Arlington to personally thank Dr. Hu and the entire emergency team who saved his life. Today, Craig is doing well. He remains deeply grateful for the skill, compassion, and quick action of the care team who were there when he needed them most.

“I wanted to come back here and I wanted to thank you,” said Craig. “You saved my life.”

Stories like Craig’s highlight an important truth: freestanding ERs are fully capable of providing hospital-level emergency care. They offer advanced diagnostics such as CT scans, X-ray, ultrasound, lab testing, cardiac monitoring, and emergency medications. Most importantly, they are staffed by professionals trained to recognize and treat the most serious conditions, fast.

“Thank you for not giving up,” Craig shared. “ I appreciate them doing that extra little bit to keep me going.”

Choosing a freestanding ER during an emergency is choosing immediate access to life-saving expertise, often with shorter wait times and a more convenient location. When minutes matter, having a trusted emergency room nearby can be the difference between life and death.

Learn more about Ascension St. Vincent’s Emergency Care - Arlington.