Meet Your Neighbor

Columbus Community Hospital Emergency Department

July 11, 2007

Dr. Bruce Kraus, Director

This week's neighbor, Columbus Community Hospital, is having a growing impact on Sun Prairie ... especially for residents facing a medical emergency. Learn more about the role of the CCH Emergency Department from its director, Dr. Bruce Kraus.

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There's rarely a dull moment and never a slow season in the Columbus Community Hospital (CCH) Emergency Department.

In the winter, complications from colds and flu, respiratory problems and strep infections increase. In summer, the emergency staff typically is faced with more outdoor sports injuries and things like allergic reactions to insect bites. And unfortunately, heart attacks, strokes and accidents occur year around.

"The physicians, nurses and staff who work in CCH Emergency Services are the kinds of people who thrive in a challenging and fast-paced environment," says Dr. Bruce Kraus, the department's medical director. "They think quickly, are good at multi-tasking, and enjoy being part of a team. It's always an interesting -- and sometimes an exciting -- place to work."

When a patient first enters the CCH Emergency Department, the initial challenge for the staff is to try to figure out whether the individual's problem needs "emergency treatment" or "urgent care."

"We need to quickly assess whether the situation presents a major medical trauma or a life and death challenge," explains Kraus. "For some patients, it's a matter of stabilizing a problem or situation and coordinating care with their regular physician. But in the case of a heart attack, the faster we can get any blockage open, the less damage is done.

"We have a 90-minute window in which we need to get that patient on a med-flight helicopter and into one of the three Madison-area heart centers," he said.

Why choose Columbus?

Although Columbus Community Hospital coordinates care with Madison-area hospitals as needed, the CCH Emergency Department offers several important advantages to Columbus and surrounding communities such Sun Prairie.

"We are able to operate with a higher degree of efficiency," said Kraus. "Patients can get in to see someone much quicker. A three or four-hour wait is not unusual in the ER of a larger, metropolitan hospital."

In addition to accessibility and efficiency, many times it is easier to coordinate ongoing treatment as well.

"I think we excel in the level of personal care we provide," said Kraus. "Many times we know a patient's regular physician, and we can coordinate any additional care much easier."

When asked what criteria should be used to help someone decide if they need to go to the emergency department, Kraus stressed that it's always better to be on the safe side. "We see a lot of patients who are uncertain about the severity of their symptoms and that's okay. It's much better to be safe than sorry.

"There are the obvious signs -- shortness of breath, chest pain, serious abdominal problems, high temperatures and excessive bleeding -- that most people realize require immediate attention," he said. "Or when you know a problem will further deteriorate if you wait longer, you need to get in to see someone as soon as possible.

"But there also are a lot of gray areas," he added. "And in those instances, we can help assess and diagnose any symptoms."

Playing it safe

How can one avoid emergency medical treatment?

"I would remind everyone to wear a seatbelt and a helmet -- whether on a bike or a motorcycle," said Kraus. "In the summer I also would tell people to remember to drink enough water and stay hydrated in the heat.

"Sunscreen is another essential," he added. "We usually see several cases of severe sunburn every summer. We need to be cautious as we move outside to play in the warmer months."

About the hospital

Columbus Community Hospital's Emergency Services staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The CCH Emergency Department offers 24-hour physician coverage and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and NALS (Neonatal Advance Life Support) certified nurses.

Urgent Care Services, located within the CCH Emergency Department, are available 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends and holidays. Urgent Care Services are for minor, non-life threatening illnesses and injuries.

For more information regarding Columbus Community Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care Services, call (920) 623-2200, ext. 1255, or visit www.cch-inc.com.

Columbus Community Hospital is an acute care hospital offering a wide range of services including an intensive care unit, surgical services, emergency services, urgent care, medical imaging, physical therapy, cardiac rehab, audiology, obstetrics, nutrition services and educational offerings.