Emergency Department

If you are experiencing a life- or limb-threatening emergency, please call 911.

Expert Care Close to Home

When a medical emergency strikes, South Carolinians look to the experts at MUSC Health. We offer fast, expert treatment for complex injuries, life-threatening illnesses and serious health complications. Our team of specialists stands ready 24 hours a day to care for heart attack, stroke, accidents, and other serious medical problems

Medical emergencies require prompt access to specialized care. You’ll find that care at MUSC Health. MUSC Health is home to several nationally recognized programs that help adults and children survive medical emergencies and return to their everyday lives. Our commitment to delivering the highest level of care has helped MUSC Health earn prestigious designations you’ll only find in leading programs.

These programs and designations include:

• Comprehensive Stroke Center: We are the first program in South Carolina recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. This designation means we offer timely access to the best available treatments, including clot-busting drugs and surgery when necessary. Find out more about our Comprehensive Stroke Center.
• Virtual Assessment for Stroke: Through our telestroke program, we can help rapidly assess patients in rural areas who are experiencing stroke-like symptoms. Using special teleconferencing equipment, we work with local doctors to coordinate care. Our services make it possible for people to receive expert care close to home or transfer to MUSC Health only when medically necessary. Find out more about our Neuroscience Telehealth programs. 
• Accredited Chest Pain Center: MUSC Health’s Chest Pain Center is accredited by the Joint Commission. Our team includes world-class cardiovascular specialists who quickly come together to diagnose problems associated with chest pain, such as heart attacks. Learn more about the Chest Pain Center.
• Adult Level I Trauma Center: MUSC Health is home to the only Level I trauma center in the Charleston. This designation means we have teams of experts who stand ready to care for people with the most severe injuries and sudden, dangerous illnesses, including internal bleeding. Read more about the Trauma Center.
• Pediatric Level I Trauma Center: MUSC Health offers South Carolina’s only full-service pediatric emergency program along with a Level I trauma center. We treat children with severe illnesses and injuries at the MUSC Children's Health Emergency Department.
• The South Carolina Burn Center: Experts at The South Carolina Burn Center at MUSC Health treat all burns, from routine to complex, with a focus on getting you or your loved one back to daily activities as soon as possible. Patients of every age and body type can get advanced burn care right here in South Carolina. You don’t need to travel to get the specialized burn treatments you need.

Specialized Emergency and Follow-Up Care

At MUSC Health, you have around-the-clock access to experienced doctors in nearly every medical specialty. For complex problems, we may coordinate with MUSC Health specialists for testing and treatments. These specialists can provide follow-up care to help you feel like yourself again.  

We deliver specialized emergency care for:

• Eye Problems: We are one of few programs eye emergencies, such as a sudden loss of vision. Our team includes ophthalmologists who specialize in caring for every part of the eye, including the cornea (the thin outer layer of the eye). Find out more about Storm Eye Institute.
• Complications from Cancer Treatments: Cancer can make something as simple as a fever life-threatening. Our nationally recognized cancer experts are available to assist emergency doctors whenever necessary. Read more about Hollings Cancer Center.
• Liver and Digestive Disease: Doctors specializing in digestive health are on-site at all times. These experts can treat emergencies such as liver failure and intestinal bleeding. Learn more about our Digestive Disease Center.
• Heart Disease: We offer immediate testing and treatment for life-threatening problems such as an irregular heartbeat. We use the latest imaging technologies to deliver an accurate diagnosis. Members of our cardiology team are on-site to provide the care you need right away. Learn more about our Heart and Vascular Center.
• Brain Injuries: For serious injuries, including stroke and bleeding in the brain, our neurosurgeons stand ready to deliver care whenever necessary. A high-speed CT scanner enables us to pinpoint the source of the problem so you can get the treatments you need as quickly as possible. Read more about MUSC's Neuroscience Services Program. 
• Orthopaedic Injuries: We are one of the few programs caring for complex injuries, including pelvic and hip fractures. Learn more about our Orthopaedic Services.