emergency

911 - Do you have an emergency?

The first question asked when dialing 911 is whether you need police, fire or medical assistance. You will instantly be connected with the appropriate dispatch center.

After giving the address of the emergency, the dispatcher sends the appropriate resources en route while you are asked further questions about the incident. This information will be forwarded to the responding units to better prepare them for what they will encounter at the scene.

In case of a medical emergency, don’t be surprised if you end up with up to 10 firefighters and paramedics in your living room. There is a so called ‘dual response’ within the Tuscaloosa and Northport city limits, which means the ambulance (Northstar Paramedic Services) as well as the fire department will respond to a medical call, as the fire fighters are EMTs or paramedics as well.

Outside the city limits the volunteer fire departments respond alongside the ambulance.

Hospitals

There are two hospitals in Tuscaloosa County – DCH Regional in Tuscaloosa and Northport DCH. Both hospitals have an ER, but only Tuscaloosa has a cath lab and a stroke unit. In case you have a child that needs hospitalization, Tuscaloosa is the place to go as they have a pediatric unit. One of the best children’s hospital in the country is Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham. Both Tuscaloosa and Northport DCH have an L&D and a NICU floor.

emergency care

There are plenty of alternatives to the ER. If you are suffering from smaller injuries, a cold or have other non-emergency symptoms, there are several walk-in clinics to chose from. The co-pay and the waiting times are a lot less. These clinics are usually open 7 days a week during daytime.