In a medical emergency, you might hear the term “critical condition” used to describe a patient’s status. But what does critical condition mean? Someone who is in critical condition needs immediate medical care due to life-threatening injuries or a serious illness. It means their vital signs—such as their heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels—are unstable, and they need continuous medical care to avoid further complications.
The East Adams Rural Healthcare emergency teams are trained to act quickly in such situations. We help stabilize patients in critical condition and ensure they get the best care possible, whether in our facility or by transferring them to another hospital. Learn more about the term “critical condition” and how we help patients in emergencies.
What Does Critical Condition Mean?
Hospitals classify patient conditions to indicate their health status. The most common statuses are:
- Stable: A patient in stable condition has normal or slightly abnormal vital signs but is not in immediate danger.
- Serious: A patient in serious condition is acutely ill or injured but may not need constant medical intervention.
- Critical: The patient’s vital signs are unstable, and their condition may deteriorate without intensive care.
Trauma-related injuries, severe infections, strokes, heart attacks, or complications from chronic illnesses can cause a patient to be in critical condition. Treatment plans depend on the situation, but may involve:
- Emergency surgery
- Ventilation support
- Intensive monitoring
- Life-saving medications
How EARH Cares For Patients in Critical Condition
East Adams Rural Healthcare is a Level V Trauma Center. This designation means we are equipped to provide emergency care to patients with traumatic injuries or life-threatening conditions. Our emergency team follows Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols, ensuring that patients in critical condition receive immediate evaluation, stabilization, and treatment.
When a patient comes into EARH’s emergency room, our medical professionals assess their condition and take immediate action. The goal is to stabilize the patient’s condition and prevent it from escalating while preparing them for the next stage of care, which could be further treatment, transitioning to a swing bed, or discharging them to go home.
While EARH can provide emergency care, some critical cases require transport to another medical facility. The patient may need specialized surgery, advanced neurological care, or intensive cardiac treatment, and a larger hospital may be better suited to deliver this care.
Speedy, well-coordinated patient transfers improve survival rates and recovery outcomes for individuals in critical conditions. In situations like these, our team will work with regional medical centers and air and ground transportation teams to make sure patients are transferred safely and as comfortably as possible. We’ll provide medical records, imaging, and test results so treatment can continue at the next hospital without delay.
EARH is Here When It Matters Most
Medical emergencies are unpredictable. Knowing where to go when you need help can make all the difference in a life-threatening situation. EARH’s emergency services are available 24/7 to provide life-saving care when it’s needed most. Whether stabilizing a critically ill patient or coordinating advanced treatments with larger hospitals, our team is committed to delivering compassionate emergency care.
If you or a loved one are experiencing a medical emergency, don’t wait. Call 911 or visit our emergency room immediately.
