Emergency Department

If you are experiencing a health emergency, dial 9-1-1

Location: 532 1st Street NW, Britt, IA 50423

Telephone: 641-843-5000

About Hancock County Health System – Emergency Department

The Hancock County Health System Emergency Department provides emergency care due to injury or illness 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our department is certified by the state of Iowa as a Level IV Area Trauma Care Facility.

Our specially-trained team is dedicated to providing consumers with the highest quality emergency care. Our board-certified physicians, as well as our nursing staff, provide effective and compassionate treatment of injuries and illnesses.

Each year the HCHS Emergency Department cares for approximately 2,500 patients with a wide variety of medical conditions.

Our health care team includes 24-hour support by ancillary services, including radiology and laboratory. Our colleagues will provide evaluation and patient care management, utilizing the latest diagnostic testing and referral, when needed, for the next phase of your health care. HCHS Emergency Services has the resources to provide initial stabilization for trauma patients while preparing the patient for transfer, if needed. As an affiliate of MercyOne, HCHS has the support of the entire statewide MercyOne network.

Our commitment to you:

  • We will work together to coordinate your health care.
  • We provide equal access to needed health care, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, handicap, or source of payment.
  • We honor your privacy and protect the confidentiality of your health care information.
  • We respect your personal values, beliefs, and cultural heritage.

What to do in an emergency

The providers at HCHS do not recommend calling the Emergency Department for emergency care. Without an exam, hospital staff cannot provide proper advice or care. When emergency care is required, the injured or ill person may need treatment right away. Calling 911 is the best way to ensure the fastest response to a medical emergency.

What is an emergency?

The American College of Emergency Physicians and the providers at HCHS offer general guidelines regarding emergencies. The following symptoms generally are considered emergencies:

  • Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
  • Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
  • Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
  • Changes in vision
  • Confusion or changes in mental status
  • Any sudden, severe pain
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Coughing or vomiting blood
  • Suicidal feelings
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Unusual abdominal pain

Conditions that generally don’t call for an Emergency Department visit and can be handled by a family practice provider the next day include:

  • Ear aches
  • Minor cuts in which bleeding has stopped
  • A sprain, rash or minor sunburn
  • An insect sting (unless there is shortness of breath—then go to the Emergency Department or call 911)
  • Fever (unless there are convulsions—then go to the Emergency Department)
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Colds, coughs and sore throats

Dawn Peterson, M.D., is the Medical Director of HCHS’s Emergency Department. She is board certified in emergency medicine and works alongside the experienced medical team including Catherine Butler, M.D., and Kelly Lillie, ARNP, as well as an excellent core or HCHS nurses and medical technicians.