Emergency Care

When you’re experiencing severe pain, a serious injury, or symptoms of a life-threatening condition like a heart attack or stroke, you should head to your nearest emergency department immediately.

Find a location

MercyOne Emergency Departments are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For less serious illnesses or injuries, however, it may be more appropriate to seek help at an urgent or convenient care location or schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Watch this video to make sure you get the right care at the right place, at the right time.

Overview

MercyOne Emergency Care provides immediate medical attention for serious or life‑threatening conditions that require rapid assessment and treatment.

Our emergency departments (EDs) are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained physicians, nurses and support teams equipped to handle a wide range of urgent conditions from severe injuries and chest pain to stroke symptoms and respiratory distress. Our EDs are supported by advanced diagnostic technology, including imaging and laboratory services, allowing for rapid and accurate diagnosis. Our providers collaborate closely with specialists and inpatient teams across MercyOne to ensure seamless transitions to the next level of care when needed.

With more than 20 emergency departments across Iowa, MercyOne provides trusted, timely care close to home.

When to visit the ED?

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following, visit the nearest ED:

Severe allergic reactions
Infants needing immediate care
Infants with a fever less than 2 months old
Chest pain
Severe burns
Seizures
Serious eye or head injuries
Stroke symptoms
Severe abdominal pain
Broken bones
Rapid bleeding
Heart attack symptoms
High fevers
Breathing problems
Drug overdose or poisoning
Bad falls (for older adults)

Central Iowa

MercyOne emergency departments provide fast, reliable care across the Des Moines metro and surrounding communities. Staffed by experienced teams, our locations are equipped to treat everything from emergencies to life‑threatening conditions ensuring patients have access to high-quality care close to home.

Eastern Iowa

MercyOne emergency departments across eastern Iowa deliver compassionate, expert care when it matters most. With multiple locations throughout the region, patients can count on timely evaluation, advanced diagnostics and coordinated treatment both day and night.

Clinton Medical Center Emergency Care (Certified Level IV Community Trauma Center)
Dubuque Medical Center Emergency Care (Level III Trauma Care Center)
Dyersville Medical Center Emergency Care
Elkader Medical Center Emergency Care (Level IV Trauma Center)

Northeast Iowa

Access 24/7 emergency care in Northeast Iowa at MercyOne emergency departments. Our ED teams deliver quick, compassionate treatment for a wide range of urgent and life-threatening conditions.

Cedar Falls Medical Center Emergency Care (Community Level IV Trauma Designation)
Oelwein Medical Center Emergency Care (Area Level IV Trauma Center)
Waterloo Medical Center Emergency Care (Community Level III Trauma Designation)

North Iowa

Serving communities across the North Iowa, MercyOne emergency departments offer around-the-clock care in critical moments.

North Iowa Medical Center Emergency Care (Level III Trauma Center)
New Hampton Medical Center Emergency Care (Community Level IV Trauma Care Facility)

Quad Cities

Looking for an ER in the Quad Cities or the surrounding communities? MercyOne emergency departments offer 24/7 care with advanced technology and experienced teams delivering prompt treatment for urgent and critical needs.