When you have an illness or injury that is serious or life-threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately for transport to Gundersen Health System Trauma & Emergency Center (TEC) in La Crosse or the nearest emergency department.
Go to the Trauma & Emergency Center for:
- Chest pain/heart attack
- Numbness or weakness on one side/stroke symptoms
- Changes in vision or trouble speaking
- Confusion or change in mental status
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Bone fractures
- Loss of consciousness/head injuries
- Severe headache - sudden onset
- Sexual assault or domestic violence
- Suicide attempt
- Suicidal thoughts or threats
- Severe cuts
- Alcohol or drug intoxication or overdose
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pregnancy-related problems (bleeding or abdominal pain)
Gundersen Trauma & Emergency Center is ready to provide the care you need no matter the emergency.
How are wait times calculated?
Our wait times represent our best average estimate from the time you are registered until you see a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. They are based on an average of wait times over the last hour and are refreshed every half hour. Patients with the most serious illnesses/injuries will be seen first. Wait times may be affected by the number of patients in the emergency or Urgent Care department and the severity of their conditions.These times are provided for informational purposes only and cannot be guaranteed. They may be subject to change without notice.
Nationally verified Level II trauma center
Gundersen's emergency department is a verified Level II trauma center by the American College of Surgeons. What that means for your emergency care:
- Capable of treating the most severe and critically injured
- Emergency care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Immediate, expert care from all the appropriate specialties.
- Board-certified physicians specially trained to provide emergency treatment as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Gundersen TEC is the only nationally verified trauma center in southwestern Wisconsin, northeastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota. 40-percent of the trauma patients treated at Gundersen are sent from other hospitals' emergency departments.
Gundersen's emergency department has procedures in place to provide excellence in emergency care with: