The 52,000 square foot facility has a total of 61 beds, divided into five patient care pods, where specialized care is provided. Each pod contains its own family waiting area, alleviating congestion in the patient lobby. Each pod is complete with its own nursing station, improving communication between caregivers, physicians and family members.

With the only academic emergency medicine residency program in the St. Louis area, Washington University physicians provide expert training to support the future needs of our community. The following features make the Emergency and Trauma Center more comfortable for patients and family:

• The Emergency and Trauma Center was built to exceed the standards for earthquake safety and is designed to be functional after an earthquake.
• Decontamination units, both inside and outside, with separate septic systems are available for biological or chemical decontamination needs.
• Non-emergent ambulance traffic accesses the building through the new sub-surface garage, eliminating ambulance-parking issues.
• A larger, covered ambulance bay increases patient privacy while easing EMS congestion.
• Convenient patient/visitor parking is available in the subsurface garage directly beneath the building.
• Computerized triage, tracking, order entry and documentation systems allow for an efficient flow of information.

Emergency Care
A 12-bed urgent care area addresses patients with non life-threatening illnesses to streamline and expedite care. 31 beds are dedicated to emergent care in two separate patient care areas with a new cardiac monitoring system for management of cardiac patients. A six-bed trauma/critical care area provides privacy in a separate dedicated location. A 12-bed observation unit houses closely monitored patients for possible hospital admission. These patients often spend up to 23 hours in the emergency department, and this area makes their stay more comfortable with individual rooms, complete with restrooms, televisions and family seating areas.

Trauma and Critical Care
Barnes-Jewish Hospital's trauma program has earned the distinction of Level I verification from the American College of Surgeons, the highest national recognition possible. Barnes-Jewish Hospital is the only hospital in the St. Louis area to earn this prestigious honor. Specially trained physicians focus on the care of the trauma patient and are certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support.

Washington University physicians at Barnes-Jewish are actively involved in researching new techniques leading to improved care and recovery of the critically injured. Six trauma/critical care rooms, separated from the emergent care area, provide privacy and high-tech care. Two full-body CT scanners are conveniently located in the trauma/critical care area. A heliport conveniently located on the roof, and private elevator access makes air transfers more convenient and less disruptive.

For more information about emergency and trauma services, please call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or toll free 866-867-3627.