When a health issue arises, the right care at the right time matters. Castro County Healthcare operates both a full-service Emergency Room as part of the hospital and a community medical clinic, each designed for different types of care.
Castro County Healthcare’s ER at Plains Memorial Hospital is built for serious, time-sensitive situations. The clinic, Medical Center of Dimmitt, is the better option for routine visits, minor illnesses, and ongoing care.
Knowing the difference helps you get treated faster and keeps emergency services available for those who need them most.
Conditions Treated in the Emergency Room
The Plains Memorial Hospital ER is equipped to respond quickly when minutes matter. As a Level IV trauma center, our team is trained to stabilize and treat urgent medical situations using advanced equipment and clinical expertise.
Common reasons patients use our ER include:
Heart and Stroke Symptoms
Chest pain, sudden weakness, facial drooping, slurred speech, or confusion should never wait. These symptoms require immediate evaluation.
Serious Injuries and Broken Bones
Falls, fractures, deep cuts, and injuries that may involve internal damage need prompt assessment and treatment.
Severe or Fast-Moving Infections
High fever, dehydration, worsening pain, or infections that escalate quickly can become dangerous without emergency care.
Breathing Emergencies
Severe asthma attacks, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention.
Farm and Ranch Accidents
Injuries involving machinery, livestock, or outdoor work are common in our area. Our ER team is experienced in treating these cases safely and efficiently.
Pediatric Emergencies
Children can decline quickly. Sudden or severe symptoms should be evaluated right away in the ER.
Higher-Level Trauma Situations
When injuries require care beyond what can be provided locally, our providers are trained to stabilize patients and coordinate rapid transfer. We work closely with regional life-flight services to ensure timely transport to the appropriate trauma facility.
Our focus is simple: calm, skilled emergency care — close to home.
ER or Clinic? A Quick Guide
The ER is open 24/7 for urgent and serious concerns. Many everyday health needs, however, are best handled at the clinic.
Go to the ER if you have:
- Chest pain or stroke symptoms
- Trouble breathing
- Severe injury or uncontrolled bleeding
- High fever with confusion or worsening symptoms
- Major farm, ranch, car, or ATV injuries
- Sudden, intense pain
- Urgent concerns about a child’s condition
Visit the clinic for:
- Colds, flu, sore throats, and earaches
- Sinus infections or rashes
- Minor cuts or sprains
- Medication refills
- Chronic condition management
- Routine checkups and wellness visits
- Ongoing aches and non-urgent pain
If you’re unsure and symptoms feel severe, sudden, or concerning — use the ER. It’s always better to err on the side of safety.
Reliable Emergency Care, Right Here
Having a local Emergency Room means help is available when seconds count — without long drives or delays. Castro County Healthcare is here to provide dependable care for our community, day and night.