The Wexner Medical Center treats a variety of time-critical diagnoses (TCD). When a patient is time critical, it means their life is in imminent danger. A TCD system is the coordination of every responder at every level of the emergency process, from the operator who takes the 911 call, to the ambulance, firetruck or police that may be dispatched to the scene. The quicker a problem is assessed, the better the potential outcome for everyone involved. Here are some examples of time-critical medical conditions.
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Time-Critical Diagnoses (TCD)
Designated as a Level 1 trauma center by the American College of Surgeons, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is widely recognized for its expertise in the care of trauma patients, with on-site physicians in more than 40 medical specialties. We offer specialized care services, including the only emergency department in central Ohio with hyperbaric medicine facilities specifically for emergency care. A one-call referral hotline, 614-366-8111, facilitates rapid activation of appropriate surgical teams and resources.
The Ohio State Comprehensive Burn Center is the only adult burn center in central Ohio. Our team of specialists treats a variety of burns ranging from minor to severe for more than 700 patients each year. We provide inpatient and outpatient care for burn wounds, complex burn management and serious skin conditions. For more information or non-emergency treatment, call 614-293-BURN (2876).
The Heart and Vascular Emergency Program optimizes treatment of emergent, time-critical and life-threatening cardiovascular conditions. One of the first of its kind in the nation, the Level 1 program facilitates rapid response to aortic dissection, aortic rupture, limb ischemia, pulmonary embolism and STEMI. Utilizing a protocol for rapid activation of surgical teams and resources, the Level 1 system focuses the entire staff in a coordinated response to these time-critical emergencies.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI (ST segment elevation myocardial infarction) is available at Ohio State Ross Heart Hospital as well as at Ohio State East Hospital. At either location, a “STEMI alert” from the field will result in immediate activation, around the clock, of the cardiac catheterization lab intervention team. A new program for our EMS providers allows them to obtain CEU credit on-site, in both of our cath labs, for observing a cardiac catheterization procedure.
At the Ohio State Comprehensive Stroke Center, our physicians, nurses and researchers are at the forefront of stroke care, developing and delivering the most advanced and innovative treatment techniques. A stroke alert is called by paramedics while the patient is in transport to our facilities in order to activate our in-house stroke team, available around-the-clock, to ensure that we are ready to evaluate the patient upon arrival.
Telestroke
The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s emergency team provides rapid assessment and treatment of sepsis and septic shock. Our sepsis alert system allows EMS to activate an alert from the field and expedite life-saving interventions, including administration of antibiotics. This early detection and rapid treatment is critical to saving patients’ lives.
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) houses the nation’s first fully integrated cancer emergency department. This allows cancer patients with urgent, sometimes life-threatening issues access to highly skilled teams of oncology and emergency medicine experts.