In West Michigan, if you have chest pain, a serious illness, or an injury, you can choose between a traditional hospital emergency room (ER) or a freestanding emergency room (FSER). Trinity Health has two FSERs, one in Byron Center and a new location in Rockford.
What Is a Freestanding ER?
A freestanding emergency room (FSER) is a medical center that is not connected to a hospital building but still provides the same top-quality care. According to Dr. Alexander Gutfraynd, a doctor at Trinity Health Emergency Center in Rockford, “Our freestanding emergency rooms are open 24/7 and staffed by board-certified emergency doctors, nurses, and technicians.” FSERs can:
• Perform advanced imaging, like CT scans and ultrasounds.
• Provide lab testing to help diagnose quickly.
• Treat a wide range of medical problems, from injuries to serious illnesses.
FSERs work just like hospital ERs, but because they are standalone buildings in the community, they are often easier to reach and may have shorter wait times.
How Are ERs and FSERs Different?
Hospital-based ERs are located inside or next to a hospital. They handle the most critical cases, often with access to special departments like trauma or heart care. FSERs are designed to stabilize and treat emergencies close to home. If a patient needs to stay in the hospital or get more advanced care, FSERs can arrange for them to be transported to the right hospital.
Dr. Gutfraynd explains, “If you need to be admitted while at a Trinity Health FSER, we will help arrange priority admission to one of our nearby hospitals for further care.”
When Should You Go to an ER or FSER?
Both ERs and FSERs are ready to treat life-threatening emergencies, such as:
• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Sudden severe headaches, weakness, or numbness
• Serious burns
• Severe trauma from falls or car accidents
If your situation is life-threatening, call 911. Emergency responders can provide immediate care and take you to the best facility for your needs.
What Can You Expect?
Wait times can differ between ERs and FSERs. All emergency rooms treat the most urgent cases first, but FSERs may have shorter waits because they are located in more convenient places.
At Trinity Health Michigan, our FSERs and hospital ERs offer the same high-quality, 24/7 care. Both accept insurance and are staffed by skilled emergency doctors and nurses. We are here to serve you whenever you need us.
Learn more about Trinity Health Michigan’s emergency care options here.