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24/7 Emergency

You have a full range of emergency care waiting for you at Desert Care Network, including:

  • Emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week at all three of our hospital locations – in Palm Springs, Indio and Joshua Tree.
  • The Desert region’s highest level trauma center – a Level 1 – located at Desert Regional Medical Center
  • The first Level IV Trauma Center to serve the eastern Coachella Valley, at JFK Memorial Hospital
  • The first Level IV Trauma Center in San Bernardino County, at Hi-Desert Medical Center
  • Personalized care by physicians and nurses with advanced training in emergency medicine
  • A well-equipped ER prepared for injuries, heart care, stroke care and other life-threatening situations

You can rely on Desert Care Network for full-service emergency care when you face life-threatening situations.

Our emergency department’s highly trained physicians and triage nurses will treat your illnesses ranging from broken bones to life-threatening injuries. Plus, once your emergency care is complete, we can connect you with a primary care physician or specialists to help manage your ongoing care.

Advanced heart and stroke care

Heart attacks and strokes are frequent causes for emergency room visits. To prepare for such events, our emergency team follows proper protocol to assure heart and stroke patients receive potentially lifesaving treatment as quickly as possible. Desert Regional Medical Center is, a DNV Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. JFK Memorial is a Primary Stroke Center and Hi-Desert Medical Center is an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital, both certified by The Joint Commission.

Trauma care

Trauma and surgical critical care surgeons are available 24 hours a day for your life-threatening emergency care needs at the Richards Emergency Trauma Center at Desert Regional Medical Center, at JFK Memorial Hospital, and Hi-Desert Medical Center. Our Trauma Centers are designated to serve an area from Banning and Beaumont to the West, Imperial County to the South, the Arizona border to the East, and Twentynine Palms and the high desert to the North.

Emergency Room Services

More Information

Nine Common Signs of Appendicitis

Appendicitis is the medical term for an infection or inflammation in your appendix. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain requiring surgery in the United States. Appendicitis may occur at any age, but is more likely to develop in teens and adults in their twenties.

Types of Appendicitis

There are two types of appendicitis:

1. Acute appendicitis

With this type of appendicitis, the symptoms are usually more severe and they develop all of a sudden.

2. Chronic appendicitis

Chronic cases usually have milder symptoms which may come and go from a few weeks to several years.

Causes of Appendicitis

This serious condition can be caused by one or a combination of the following:

  • a blockage in the appendix
  • an enlarged tissue in the wall of your appendix
  • an inflammatory bowel disease
  • abdominal trauma
  • growths, parasites or stool that can clog the inner part of your appendix

Appendicitis requires immediate medical attention. If you don’t seek immediate treatment, your appendix may burst and spread bacteria or infection into your abdomen, which may lead to more health risks and complications.

Signs of Appendicitis

The signs of appendicitis may vary for each person. But the most common signs include:

  1. Abdominal pain
  2. Abdominal swelling
  3. Constipation
  4. Diarrhea
  5. Inability to pass gas
  6. Loss of Appetite
  7. Mild fever
  8. Nausea
  9. Vomiting

Diagnosis

Doctors usually ask specific questions about the patient’s medical history and symptoms when diagnosing appendicitis. You may also need lab tests, a physical exam, MRI, ultrasound, x-ray or a CT scan.

Treatment Options

Some mild cases of appendicitis may be treated with antibiotics. But usually, if you have appendicitis, your doctor may recommend the immediate removal of your appendix through a surgery to reduce the risk of rupture. The surgeon may perform a:

Laparoscopic surgery

This minimally invasive procedure uses smaller incisions to remove your appendix. Laparoscopic surgery usually leads to shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times and less complications. Your physician may recommend that you limit physical activity for three to five days after the surgery.

Laparotomy

In this type of open surgical procedure, the surgeon removes the appendix through a single incision in the lower part of the abdomen. You may be advised to limit physical activity for 10 to 14 days after the surgery.

Final Thoughts

The appendix can rupture within 48 to 72 hours from the onset of symptoms. So if you are experiencing signs of an appendicitis, please seek care by booking an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. In case of a ruptured appendix, which is considered a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

Sources:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Healthline