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Main Line: (907) 235-8101
South Peninsula Hospital (Homepage Link).

Emergency Room

South Peninsula Hospital, 4300 Bartlett Street  •  (907) 235-8101

At South Peninsula Hospital, emergency care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in our modern, well-equipped department featuring 9 private patient rooms. We care for patients of all ages, treating everything from minor illnesses and injuries to life-threatening emergencies, and provide stabilization and coordination for transport when specialized services are needed elsewhere.

Each year, our Emergency Department serves more than 6,000 patients across a service area of roughly 15,000 residents and 8,900 square miles, extending from Ninilchik to the southern side of Kachemak Bay and across Cook Inlet.

All of our emergency-trained physicians are board certified or board eligible, and our experienced nurses and staff are known for their kindness, skill, and rapid response. We take pride in keeping wait times short, ensuring patients receive the care they need quickly and compassionately, any time, day or night.

As a State of Alaska–certified Level IV Trauma Center, we meet rigorous national standards for emergency response and continuously improve to deliver the best possible outcomes.

Backed by strong partnerships with local fire and EMS agencies, our team works together to provide skilled, coordinated, and compassionate care close to home, when it matters most.

Services

Emergency Medicine

At the South Peninsula Hospital Emergency Department, an emergency-trained physician and highly trained staff is available 24 hours a day to care for minor illnesses and injuries to life-threatening emergencies, as well as provide stabilization prior to transport by air for more specialized services when necessary.

We are certified by the State of Alaska as a Level IV Trauma Center, meaning we’re specially equipped and trained to respond quickly to serious injuries. This designation follows a voluntary, rigorous review process that confirms we meet national and state standards for trauma care, including staff training, equipment, data reporting, and continuous quality improvement.

FAST Exams

All of our Emergency Department physicians are trained to perform bedside FAST exams (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma). Using a portable ultrasound machine, our doctors look for internal bleeding or fluid around the heart, lungs, or abdomen after an injury. It’s painless, takes only a few minutes, and gives our team the information they need to make fast, informed decisions and get patients the care they need quickly.

Heart & Stroke Care

Our Emergency Department participates in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® programs for Stroke and STEMI (heart attack) care, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association for excellence in stroke care. These national programs set evidence-based standards to help hospitals recognize and treat strokes and heart attacks quickly and effectively. By following these best practices, our team ensures patients receive the fastest, most effective care when every second counts.

Community Partnerships

We work closely with Homer Fire and EMS, Western Emergency Services, and Kachemak Emergency Services to ensure seamless, high-quality emergency care for our community. Through regular collaboration and biannual education and case review meetings, we share information, discuss unique cases, and identify opportunities to strengthen our collective response. These partnerships allow first responders and hospital teams to learn from each other and continuously improve how we care for patients throughout our large service area.

Providers

Contact Emergency Room

(907) 235-8101

What to Expect as a Patient

24/7 Emergency Care

Care at the South Peninsula Hospital Emergency Department is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our compassionate, experienced team of emergency physicians, nurses, and other support staff is always here for you, no appointment or referral needed. If you believe you’re experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or come directly to the Emergency Department.

When You Arrive

We pride ourselves on keeping wait times short and seeing patients as quickly as possible. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and checked in by our staff, who will assess your condition to make sure those with the most urgent needs are seen first.

What to Bring

If possible, please bring an up-to-date list of your medications and allergies, but don’t worry if you forget. Our team will gather the information we need to provide safe, effective care.

Evaluation, Stabilization, and Treatment

As a Level IV Trauma Center, we provide immediate evaluation, stabilization, and life-saving treatment for critically ill or injured patients before transfer to higher-level trauma centers when needed. For less severe illnesses or injuries, we can often provide full care right here at South Peninsula Hospital, either transferring you to an inpatient room for observation and treatment, or sending you home with detailed instructions and a clear plan for follow-up care.

No matter the emergency, our goal is to ensure that every patient receives skilled, coordinated, and compassionate care close to home.

FAQ

When should I come to the Emergency Department?

Come to the ED if you are experiencing a medical emergency or symptoms that could be life-threatening, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, changes in vision, confusion, loss of consciousness, or major injury. When in doubt, call 911 — it’s always better to be safe.

When should I go to an urgent care clinic instead?

Urgent care clinics are appropriate for minor illnesses and injuries that aren’t life-threatening but still need timely care, such as ear infections, mild sprains, sore throats, minor cuts, or simple rashes. If you’re unsure whether your condition requires the Emergency Department, you can always call ahead or come in for evaluation.

What should I bring to the Emergency Department?

If you’re able, please bring: 

  • A list of your current medications, dosages, and any allergies
  • A photo ID and insurance card (if you have them)
  • Contact information for your primary care provider
  • Any relevant medical records, such as recent test results or discharge paperwork

If you forget, don’t worry. Our team will collect the information we need to treat you safely.

Do I need a referral to come to the ED?

No. The Emergency Department is open to everyone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and no referral is required. Our team is always here to care for you when you need us.

How long will I have to wait to be seen?

We strive to keep wait times short and see patients as quickly as possible. Upon arrival, our team will assess your condition to determine the urgency of your needs. Patients with life-threatening conditions are treated first, which may occasionally affect wait times for others.

What insurance do you accept?

South Peninsula Hospital accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, BlueCross BlueShield, and Denali KidCare. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider for details about your emergency care coverage.

What if I don’t have insurance?

We believe everyone deserves access to emergency care. If you don’t have insurance, you will still receive the care you need. Our financial counselors can discuss payment plans, discounts, and assistance options to help make your care more affordable.

Can I bring a friend or family member with me?

Yes. Having a trusted support person can be helpful during an emergency visit. Depending on your condition and department activity, visitors may be asked to wait nearby during certain parts of your evaluation or treatment for your safety and privacy.

Can I drive to the ED or should I call an ambulance?

If you have severe symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, sudden weakness, or loss of consciousness, call 911 immediately rather than driving yourself. Paramedics can begin life-saving care on the way to the hospital. If your condition is less severe, you may drive or have someone bring you to the Emergency Department.

What are your hours?

Our Emergency Department is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is always a doctor and trained medical staff on duty, ready to care for you at any time

What happens after I leave the Emergency Department?

You’ll receive detailed instructions about at-home care and any necessary follow-up. Our team can coordinate with your primary care provider or specialist to ensure your continued care

Do you treat children in the Emergency Department?

Yes. Our Emergency Department is fully equipped and staffed to care for patients of all ages, including children.

Call (907) 235-8101

Insurance

South Peninsula Hospital accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, BlueCross BlueShield, and Denali KidCare. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider for details about your emergency care coverage.

We believe everyone deserves access to emergency care. If you don’t have insurance, you will still receive the care you need. Our financial counselors can discuss payment plans, discounts, and assistance options to help make your care more affordable.