Exterior photo of the UVM Medical Center entrance.

Emergency Department

 (802) 847-4802

111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, West Pavilion, Level 1
Burlington, VT 05401-1473

Emergency Room at UVM Medical Center

The UVM Medical Center Emergency Room (ER) staff is dedicated to providing our Burlington community and Vermont/northern New York region with the most current, state of the art emergency care. As the only tertiary care Level I Trauma Center in Vermont, we have specialists in all major medical and surgical fields available to assist in emergency care when needed. We are open 24/7 and are staffed at all times by specialists trained in emergency medical care. We see and treat patients of any age and with any medical or traumatic condition.

Getting to the ER

The ER is closest to our Colchester Avenue entrance, but you can get to it from any UVM Medical Center entrance by following the red signs.

Security

For patient and staff safety, everyone entering the emergency department must pass through a security screening that includes a metal detector.

In order to efficiently screen for dangerous items, we only allow transparent/clear bags to pass through the emergency department screening point.* Don't have a clear bag? We have complimentary bags at our entrance, and our security team is also happy to check bags as well.

*Diaper bags and bags and small handbags 6.5 x 4.5" and under are allowed.

Parking

There is parking directly outside the ER.

If a patient is transferred out of the ER to another part of the medical center, please move your car to the underground visitor parking garage. This is up the road near the main entrance of the hospital. From the ER lot, go back down to the stop sign. Take a right, and wind around the road until the main entrance is on your right. The underground parking garage entrance will be on your left.

Wait times

We aim to see every patient as soon as they arrive, but sometimes there is a wait. Unfortunately we can't tell you how long the wait is going to be, because it may change if someone with a serious and life-threatening injury comes to the ER. In this case, we may need to prioritize them and see them first.

This means that someone who arrived after you may be seen first. We know this can be frustrating. We appreciate your patience and understanding. If your or your loved one's condition gets worse at any time while you are waiting, please immediately notify someone at the front desk.

Visiting someone in the ER:

  • You will need to check in at the main desk
  • Visitors are admitted at staff's discretion
  • Normally, two visitors can be with a patient at one time
  • Visitors must wear and display a badge at all times when in patient areas

Food

There are many different choices for food at the medical center. View the UVM Medical Center Main Campus cafe menus. The front desk staff can provide you with directions.

Translation services

Translation services are available 24/7 for most languages. The front desk staff can help, or you can contact Case Management & Social Work directly:

  • From 8:30am and 5pm Monday through Friday, call 802-847-5826
  • After 5pm and on weekends and holidays, call 802-847-0000 and request the on-call social worker

Privacy

When you visit the ER, you may request that your info or condition not be released to the public. There may also be other patients receiving care in nearby. Please be respectful of their privacy.

Security

Access to the ER is secure to ensure patient and staff safety. All doors leading into the ER are locked and access is restricted. All employees use a pass card to enter. Visitors are admitted in by a security officer or appropriate staff.

Prescription refills

We do not refill prescriptions. Please contact your primary care doctor to request a refill.

Work notes

You may need a letter for your employer saying that you were in the ER. Please ask your doctor for one before leaving. However, if you forget to ask for one while you are in the ER, please contact your primary care doctor to request this letter.

Paying for your care

Every patient who comes to the Emergency Room receives two separate bills:

  • One bill is for the hospital's Emergency Department, including nursing and tests such as lab and X-ray or CT scans.
  • The other bill is for the physician services.
  • Your bill will state “HOSPITAL” or “PHYSICIAN”  on the statement.
  • Learn more about billing and financial assistance, or call our patient financial services at 802-847-8000 if you have questions or will have a hard time making your payment.

About the Emergency Department

UVM Medical Center's Emergency Department has more than 65,000 patient visits a year. It has 45 beds, including 10 specifically designated for trauma and major resuscitation. It has a separate pediatric emergency department affiliated with the University of Vermont Children's Hospital that provides children and families with outstanding pediatric Emergency care. It also has specialized areas and equipment dedicated to specialties including orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, and otolaryngology, and psychiatry. It has five ambulance bays to accommodate local and regional transports, a trauma elevator to take patients directly from the ER to operating rooms on the third floor, and an expanded decontamination area for situations involving hazardous materials.

American Heart Association Award

AHA 2021 Gold Plus Award Badge Graphic

The University of Vermont Medical Center has proudly received the American Heart Association’s Gold Get With The Guidelines –

Resuscitation Quality Achievement Award for our commitment to treating in-hospital cardiac arrest, ultimately helping improve patient survival rates.  

The Get With The Guidelines program was developed to help save lives of patients who experience in-hospital cardiac arrests by consistently following the most up-to-date research-based guidelines for treatment.

Our Imaging Technology

The UVM Medical Center Emergency Department offers enhanced imaging technology, including dedicated X-ray machines and a dedicated advanced Computed Tomography (CT) scanner. MRI and ultrasound are available 24/7. In addition, many providers are skilled at bedside ultrasound, which helps them more quickly make a diagnosis. This radiology equipment helps physicians provide a faster, more precise diagnosis for emergency department patients.

More questions?

Call us at 802-847-2434. Please note we cannot give medical advice over the phone.

Medical Professionals in Emergency Medicine

Because we are a university hospital we offer a setting that combines education, training and the latest advancements in technology. This allows our physicians to educate others and conduct vital research, which fuels better care for our patients.

Learn more about our clinical, research and academic missions below.

Patient Care

How to refer a patient to Emergency Services at The UVM Medical Center:

  • Call (toll free): 888-362-3242
  • Fax Referral Line: 802-847-2001
  • Email: ReferralCenteratuvmhealth [dot] org (ReferralCenter[at]uvmhealth[dot]org)  Note: please send encrypted files.

For information on the Office of Provider Relations, Provider Access Services and Patient Placement Services, visit Patient Referral Resources.

Education

Fellowship and Residency Programs - We offer post-medical degree training programs in over 17 service lines. Visit Graduate Medical Education (GME) for a full list of Vermont Medical Residency and Fellowship programs.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) – Our CME Program offers a series of medical courses for health care professionals to learn about new and developing areas of their fields. Visit CME.

Grand Rounds - Grand Rounds present current medical topics and developments. They are sponsored by individual departments on a regular basis.

Research

The Division of Emergency Medicine at The University of Vermont encompasses a variety of ongoing collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects. Projects are aimed at improving health care and include studies sponsored by the National Institute of Health and the Department of Defense and more.

Visit the Department of Surgery Division of Emergency Medicine at The University of Vermont for more information or go to Office of Clinical Trials Research to receive up-to-date information on the latest clinical trials.

Jobs in Healthcare

Looking for a life-changing careear in emergency healthcare? Join our team of talented and caring professionals at the UVM Medical Center. Learn more about health careers in Burlington, VT.

      	        
	  	  Amy A. Cameron, PA-C
Amy A. Cameron, PA-C
Urgent Care Medicine
Emergency Medicine
Andrea Decker, PA-C
Urgent Care Medicine
Deborah B. Governale, PA-C
Urgent Care Medicine
Emergency Medicine
      	        
	  	  Bridget A. Higgins, PA-C
Bridget A. Higgins, PA-C
General Surgery
Emergency Medicine
Kimberly A. Holbrook, PA-C
Urgent Care Medicine
General Surgery
Emergency Medicine
      	        
	  	  Skyler A. Lentz, MD
Skyler A. Lentz, MD
Critical Care Medicine
Emergency Medicine
      	        
	  	  Kathryn C. McBride, PA-C
Kathryn C. McBride, PA-C
Urgent Care Medicine
Emergency Medicine
Nathaniel P. Moore, PA-C
Urgent Care Medicine
Emergency Medicine
Todd G. Morgan, PA-C
Urgent Care Medicine
Emergency Medicine
Family Medicine - Primary Care
      	        
	  	  Chance Sullivan, MD
Chance Sullivan, MD
Emergency Medicine
Kathleen H. Tarkington, PA-C
General Surgery
Surgery of the Hand (Orthopaedic)
      	        
	  	  Dorothy F. van Gerbig, PA-C
Dorothy F. van Gerbig, PA-C
Emergency Medicine
Diagnostic Radiology