The Massachusetts General Hospital Emergency Department is a full-service, state-of-the-art facility that is equipped to handle any medical emergency.
As a Level I Trauma Center, Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and Level I Burn Center, Mass General is accredited to treat patients with the most critical injuries. We care for about 90,000 patients a year.
Exceptional Depth of CoverageSince its inception in 1811, Mass General has served patients requiring emergency care. In 1988 the Emergency Department became a standalone entity, and Alasdair Conn, MD, FACS, FRCSC FACEP was named chief of emergency services. He still holds this position today.
Prior to joining Mass General, Dr. Conn established the Boston MedFlight critical care transport program in 1985. He has been chairman of the program's board of directors since 1988 and maintains an active interest in the development of EMS systems.
The rest of our team consists of physicians known nationally and internationally for their clinical and research expertise. All attendings are Harvard Medical School faculty members.
Our department provides exceptional depth of coverage 24/7, including:
- Five to six physicians on duty each day and two physicians on duty each night
- A full team of onsite trauma surgeons
- Dedicated radiologists reading scans and x-rays of emergency patients at Mass General and affiliated hospitals
- An Acute Psychiatric Service that treats acute psychiatric and neuropsychiatric emergencies for a diverse patient population
- Dedicated laboratory support personnel, who facilitate assessments and diagnoses
Focused on Today ... and Tomorrow
The Emergency Department features the latest technology, such as two new-generation helical CT scanners and one MRI machine. A full-weather heliport on the roof of the Blake Building allows two helicopters to land. In addition, we provide access to the hyperbaric chamber located at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (several of our attendings are certified to deliver hyperbaric medicine treatment).
Besides serving today's patients, the Emergency Department is working to improve the future delivery of emergency care. We conduct a number of clinical trials exploring new medicines and technologies, and coordinate the Emergency Medicine Network, which advances public health objectives through multicenter, emergency department-based research.
Our department hosts a variety of medical education courses and conferences for practicing physicians, including an annual pair of symposia on cutting-edge topics in emergency medicine. We also offer training opportunities for fellows and residents (e.g. the four-year Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency).
