Central Maine Healthcare

Where You are the Center

Emergency Care

Chest Pain Center

Chest pain should never be ignored. Remember: when in doubt, get checked out.

The Chest Pain Center at the Emergency Department at Central Maine Medical Center provides a faster, higher level of care to patients with heart attack symptoms. Our physicians are trained to deliver specialized care during the early stages of a cardiac event — when treatment is critical to saving lives and preserving heart muscle. We’re also able to monitor patients when it is not certain that they are having a heart attack, ensuring that they’re not sent home too quickly or needlessly admitted to the hospital.

Our proven process includes:

Step 1: Intake

When a patient enters the Chest Pain Center, our emergency physicians treat them as potential cardiac patients until a proper diagnosis is made.

Step 2: Assessment

The patient is set up on a cardiac monitor, with oxygen administered as a precaution. Intravenous lines may be started so life-saving drugs can be administered quickly if needed.

Step 3: Testing

Diagnostic testing helps our specialists reduce the time needed to determine the cause of the patient’s chest pain.

Step 4: Making a Treatment Plan

Once the patient’s condition is stable, the emergency physician may consult with one or more of our board-certified cardiologists for possible follow-up.

For more information, call the Chest Pain Center at (207) 795-2200.

Trauma Center

If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately or go to your nearest ER.

Emergencies happen when you least expect them, but rest assured, Central Maine Healthcare is here when you need us. From chest pain to trauma, broken bones to stroke, know that expert care is always around the corner.

Why Choose Us?

Patient Education & Resources

Injury Prevention Resources

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Injury Prevention and Safety

You’ve no doubt heard the saying “prevention is the best medicine” — and it’s absolutely true. To help you steer clear of injury and illness, Central Maine Healthcare has compiled our best health and safety tips.

The Flu Virus (Influenza)

The flu virus is now widespread in Maine and across the United States. To reduce your risk of infection, it is important to:

  • Get vaccinated — it’s not too late. Find a primary care provider near you.
  • Wash your hands
  • Stay home if you’re sick
  • Cover your cough with a sleeve or a tissue

Winter Safety

Winter always presents many safety hazards, both indoors and out. These how-to lists will help you have a healthy, accident-free winter:

Keep your home safe and warm

  • Test your smoke alarm monthly and change the batteries when you change your clocks.
  • Have your heating system inspected and tuned up yearly.
  • Keep portable space heaters three feet from bedding, furniture, and clothing.
  • Have your chimney inspected each year.

Survive a winter storm

Be prepared! Keep extra blankets, flashlights, batteries, matches, first aid kits, water, required medications and non-perishable food on hand.

Walk safely in icy, snowy weather

  • Do light warm-up activities before you walk, shovel snow or other strenuous activities
  • Take frequent breaks
  • Dress in layers and wear boots with non-skid soles
  • Dress in bright colors so drivers can see you

Drive safely in winter weather

  • Have your car serviced and drive slowly in bad weather
  • Check the level of antifreeze
  • Make sure your battery is in good shape
  • Check the tread on your tires or have snow tires put on your vehicle
  • Keep emergency gear in your vehicle (flashlight, jumper cables, sand for traction, ice scraper, and extra blankets)

Emergency Care

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Emergencies happen when you least expect them, but rest assured, Central Maine Healthcare is here when you need us.

We offer three ERs right in the communities we serve – each staffed 24/7 with board-certified emergency physicians and specially trained nurses, plus direct access to specialists, advanced technology and more resources from one of the largest integrated health systems in the state.

From chest pain to trauma, broken bones to stroke, know that expert care is always around the corner.

Find an Emergency Room Near You

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Why Choose Us?

Emergency Medical Transport

Central Maine Healthcare works closely with both local and state emergency transport services to ensure patients throughout our communities receive the critical medical care they need as quickly as possible.

By Ground: Ambulance Service

Emergency Medical Services (EMS), also known as ambulance teams or paramedic services) are our first line of care. They are always at the ready, 24/7, to respond to an emergency or crisis, provide short-term interventions during transport and deliver a patient to a Central Maine ER with both speed and care.

By Air: LifeFlight

Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston is a home base for LifeFlight of Maine, the state’s only medical helicopter service. We transport critical trauma patients to CMMC for quick care, and our helicopter pads at Bridgton and Rumford allow rapid transfer of critically ill or injured patients to CMMC. This network helps us provide faster treatment, leading to better outcomes.

Emergency Care FAQ

Central Maine Healthcare is committed to making a trip to the emergency room as stress-free as possible. We’ve prepared this information so you know just what to expect at every step.

What happens when I arrive?
First, you will meet a registrar at the registration desk. The registrar will ask you a few questions and open a record for you in the hospital’s computer system. Then our triage nurse evaluates your symptoms, vital signs and other information to help prioritize your care.

Why did someone else get seen before me, when I got here first? 
The triage process identifies more seriously ill and injured patients who need higher priority care. This means that patients may not be seen by care providers in the same order in which they are registered and triaged.  For example, someone having a heart attack demands immediate attention and will be seen before someone with a fever, cough or even broken bone.

What happens after triage?
You may be escorted to a treatment room or asked to wait in the waiting area, depending upon the seriousness of your illness and available treatment space. Even if space is not immediately available, a care provider may begin any necessary tests, such as blood work or a urine sample.

What happens in the treatment area? 
Once you are in a treatment room, you will be evaluated by a physician, a physician assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner (NP). An emergency nurse will also assist.

Following your evaluation, your care provider may order additional testing and treatments. An emergency nurse will monitor your condition. The nurse will also give you any medications prescribed by the emergency care provider. If you feel your condition is changing, do not hesitate to tell your nurse or other care provider.

How long will the wait be?
Although everyone’s experience is different, the average visit to any CMH Emergency Department is about two and a half hours. Many visits are shorter, and some are longer.

What happens after I am treated? 
When all necessary treatments and procedures are complete and test results are reviewed, your care provider will decide if you will be discharged home, admitted to the CMH system as an inpatient, or transferred to a different hospital.

Patients who are discharged home are provided with complete after-care instructions. If you are advised to contact your primary care provider, it is very important that you do so.

If you have any questions after discharge, please call the Emergency Department you visited:

Central Maine Medical Center: (207) 795-2200
Bridgton Hospital: (207) 647-6070
Rumford Hospital: (207) 369-1051