If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.
Emergency Care When Every Moment Counts
24/7 expert emergency care with a team ready to handle any medical crisis.
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24/7 Emergency Care Close to Home.
24/7 Emergency Care for You and Your Family
When a medical emergency happens, you need expert care fast — and close to home. Riverside Medical Center's Emergency Department is open around the clock, every day of the year, with board-certified emergency physicians ready to help you and your family.
Call 911 Immediately
If you or someone near you is experiencing chest pain, sudden confusion, facial drooping, weakness on one side of the body, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Don't wait.
Get Directions
350 N. Wall Street, Kankakee, IL 60901. Open 24/7, every day of the year.
Call the Emergency Department
Speak with our emergency team directly for questions or to let us know you're on the way.
Not Sure Where to Go?
Call our referral line and we'll help you decide if the ER, immediate care, or primary care is right for you.
Emergency Care
When to Visit the Emergency Room
The emergency room is for conditions that could be life-threatening or cause serious harm if not treated right away. If you're not sure, it's always better to come in and let us evaluate you.
Come to the ER if you experience:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Signs of a stroke — sudden confusion, facial drooping, or weakness on one side of the body
- Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
- Head trauma or loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain
- Broken bones with visible deformity
- Severe allergic reactions (especially with swelling or trouble breathing)
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Seizures
- High fever in infants under 3 months
Not sure if it's an emergency? See our guide comparing the ER, immediate care, and primary care to help you choose. Or call (855) 404-DOCS (3627) and we'll help you decide.
Emergency Care
What Sets Riverside's ER Apart
Riverside Medical Center is designated by the State of Illinois as a Level II Trauma Center, meaning we have the physicians, specialists, and equipment to treat the most serious injuries and medical emergencies — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As a member of the Illinois Trauma Center network, we can also arrange rapid transfer by helicopter or ground ambulance to a Level I Trauma Center if a higher level of care is needed.
Heart and Stroke Specialists
- Primary Stroke Center
- Chest Pain Center accredited by the American College of Cardiology
- Heart Failure Center accreditation
Only in Our Region
- Only onsite full continuum of cardiac care, including heart surgery
- Only onsite full continuum of neurological care, including brain and spine surgery
- Only onsite pediatricians from University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital
Expert Team
- Board-certified emergency medicine physicians
- Nurses with advanced certifications in emergency, trauma, pediatric, and cardiac care
- Trauma nurse specialists and sexual assault nurse examiners on staff
Our Facility
A Modern ER Built for Faster, Safer Care
Riverside's Emergency Department was recently remodeled with your comfort, safety, and privacy in mind. The updated space is designed to get you to the right care faster.
35 Patient Care Areas
More treatment spaces mean less time waiting and more time with your care team.
6 Rapid Treatment Rooms
Dedicated spaces for conditions that need quick evaluation and treatment so you can get home sooner.
2 Trauma Rooms
Fully equipped for the most critical cases, with direct access to surgical suites and imaging.
The department also includes dedicated behavioral health rooms for patients in a mental health crisis, improved privacy throughout, and enhanced safety features for patients and staff.
Emergency Care
What to Expect During Your ER Visit
Going to the emergency room can feel overwhelming. Here's a step-by-step look at how your visit works so you know what to expect.
1. Arrival and Triage
When you arrive, a triage nurse will quickly assess your condition and determine how urgent your needs are. The most critical patients are always seen first — this means wait times vary based on severity, not arrival order.
2. Evaluation and Treatment
A board-certified emergency physician will examine you, order any needed tests (like lab work, X-rays, or CT scans), and begin treatment. Our team will keep you and your family informed throughout the process.
3. Discharge or Admission
If you're ready to go home, you'll receive clear discharge instructions and any follow-up recommendations. If you need to stay, we'll get you to the right unit within the hospital for continued care.
Emergency Care
Pediatric Emergency Care for Your Child
When your child needs emergency care, you want to know they're in expert hands — without having to drive to a children's hospital far from home.
Riverside's Emergency Department is designated by the State of Illinois as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP). That means we maintain specialized pediatric training, equipment, and medications specifically for children.
Even better, pediatric hospitalists from the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital are on-site at Riverside 24/7. These child and newborn specialists work alongside our emergency team whenever a young patient needs extra expertise — whether in the ER, the pediatric unit, or the Family Birthing Center.
Your child gets advanced pediatric care, and your family stays together — right here in your community.
Emergency Care
Support for Survivors of Sexual Assault
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, Riverside's Emergency Department has a team of nurses who are here to help. Our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are specially trained in trauma-informed care, forensic evidence collection, and forensic photography.
You don't have to go through this alone. A SANE nurse can help identify any injuries, provide compassionate support, and connect you with resources — all in a safe, private setting.
Contact the SANE Program
Riverside Emergency Department: (815) 935-7500
SANE Program Coordinator: (779) 701-2368
Emergency Care
What to Bring to the Emergency Room
Having a few things ready can help your care team treat you more quickly and accurately.
- Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Insurance card
- A list of current medications, including dosages
- A list of any known allergies
- Your myRiverside MyChart login (if you have one)
- A family member or friend to help with paperwork and communication
- Comfort items for children (a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or tablet)
Tip: If you take medications regularly, keep a current list in your wallet or on your phone. In an emergency, this can save valuable time.
Emergency Care
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I go to the emergency room instead of immediate care?
Go to the emergency room for life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, signs of stroke, severe bleeding, head trauma, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic reactions. Immediate care is a better fit for non-life-threatening concerns like sprains, earaches, cold and flu symptoms, and minor cuts. If you're unsure, call (855) 404-DOCS (3627) and we'll help you decide.
Is Riverside's emergency department open 24 hours?
Yes. Riverside Medical Center's Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We're located at 350 N. Wall Street in Kankakee, Illinois.
Does Riverside's ER treat children?
Yes. Our Emergency Department is designated by the State of Illinois as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP). We have specialized pediatric equipment, medications, and staff training. Pediatric hospitalists from the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital are on-site 24/7 to provide expert care for our youngest patients.
What is a Level II Trauma Center?
A Level II Trauma Center provides comprehensive trauma care around the clock, including surgical specialists, advanced equipment, and the ability to stabilize and treat most injuries. Riverside Medical Center is designated as a Level II Trauma Center by the State of Illinois. If a patient requires an even higher level of specialized care, we can arrange rapid transfer by helicopter or ground ambulance to a Level I Trauma Center.
How does triage work?
Triage is the process of evaluating patients based on the severity of their condition. When you arrive, a nurse will quickly assess your symptoms and assign a priority level. Patients with the most critical conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time. This ensures that the sickest patients get care as quickly as possible.
Can I schedule ahead or do I have to walk in?
The emergency room is a walk-in facility — no appointment is needed. If your condition is not life-threatening, immediate care may be a faster option, and you can schedule ahead or walk in at any of our five locations.
What insurance does the emergency department accept?
Riverside accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. You can check the full list on our accepted insurance page. If you have questions about coverage, call (815) 933-1671. If you need financial assistance, visit our financial assistance page.
What is the SANE program?
SANE stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Riverside's SANE program provides specially trained nurses who offer compassionate, trauma-informed care to survivors of sexual assault. This includes medical evaluation, forensic evidence collection, and connection to support resources. Contact the Emergency Department at (815) 935-7500 or the SANE Program Coordinator at (779) 701-2368.
Community Programs
Trauma Prevention and Community Education
As a Level II Trauma Center, Riverside is committed to preventing injuries before they happen. Our emergency team leads free programs across the region for schools, organizations, and community groups.
Stop the Bleed Training
Learn how to identify life-threatening bleeding and how to stop it — a skill that can save a life before help arrives.
School Safety Programs
Pre-prom crash reenactments, distracted driving courses, and other programs designed for high school students.
Riverside EMS
Ambulance and EMS Services
Riverside's EMS and ambulance team provides advanced life support across Kankakee and Iroquois counties. Whether it's a 911 emergency or a scheduled medical transport, our certified staff is ready to provide expert care from the moment they arrive.
Important Notice
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Emergency department physicians are independent providers who are not employees or agents of Riverside Healthcare.
Our Locations
Emergency Care
Riverside Medical Center Emergency Department
350 N. Wall St. - Kankakee, IL 60901