Emergency
Department

When every second matters, Putnam County Hospital's Emergency Department is here to provide prompt, compassionate, and expert care for patients experiencing serious illness, injury, or other medical emergencies. Our experienced physicians, nurses, and clinical staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to deliver high-quality emergency medical care when you need it most.


Patients are evaluated using a nationally recognized triage process, allowing our clinical team to quickly assess each patient's condition and prioritize care based on the severity of illness or injury. This approach ensures that those with life-threatening emergencies receive immediate attention while all patients receive timely, appropriate care.


Our Emergency Department is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology and access to comprehensive imaging and laboratory services, enabling our providers to rapidly evaluate symptoms, establish an accurate diagnosis, and begin treatment as efficiently as possible. Every care decision is guided by evidence-based medicine and individualized to meet each patient's unique needs.


At Putnam County Hospital, we are committed to providing exceptional emergency care in a safe, respectful, and compassionate environment. While visit times may vary depending on the complexity of each patient's condition and the overall volume of emergency cases, our team works diligently to deliver the highest standard of care as efficiently as possible.


When an emergency happens, you can trust Putnam County Hospital's Emergency Department to provide the expert care you and your family deserve—close to home.



Aditya Ahlawat, MD MBA – Emergency Department Medical Director.

Dr. Ahlawat is passionate about delivering exceptional care close to home. A dedicated member of PCH for nearly a decade, he remains committed to fostering strong relationships within the community. With a purposeful vision for the future, Dr. Ahlawat leads with patient care at the forefront of everything he does.


Dr. Ahlawat earned his medical degree from Ross University in 2012. He went on to complete his residency training at the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program in 2016. In 2020, he earned his MBA at the Kelley School of Business from IU.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department immediately. Emergency medical conditions require prompt evaluation and treatment to help prevent serious complications.


Seek emergency care if you experience any of the following:

  • Chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack
  • Serious injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident
  • Sudden weakness, numbness, paralysis, difficulty speaking, confusion, or other signs of a stroke
  • Severe difficulty breathing or other significant respiratory problems
  • Falls resulting in serious injury or suspected fractures
  • Poisoning or suspected overdose
  • Moderate to severe burns
  • A mental health crisis, including thoughts of harming yourself or others
  • Injuries resulting from violence or assault
  • Severe bleeding that will not stop
  • Loss of consciousness or seizures
  • Serious head injuries

This is not a complete list of medical emergencies. If you believe you are experiencing a life-threatening illness or injury, seek emergency medical care immediately.


For non-emergency illnesses or injuries, your primary care provider or an urgent care clinic may be the most appropriate option. If you are unsure where to seek care, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.


The Putnam County Hospital Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing expert emergency care for you and your family whenever you need us.

A stroke is a medical emergency, and every minute counts. Prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term disability. If you suspect someone may be having a stroke, remember the acronym FAST:


F – Face Drooping

Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or appear uneven? Facial weakness or asymmetry may be a sign of a stroke.


A – Arm Weakness

Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward or cannot be lifted, this may indicate a stroke.


S – Speech Difficulty

Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or trouble understanding others are common stroke symptoms.


T – Time to Call 911

If any of these signs are present—even if they go away—call 911 immediately. Emergency treatment is most effective when provided as quickly as possible.


Additional stroke symptoms may include sudden confusion, vision changes, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, severe headache, or sudden numbness and weakness, especially on one side of the body.


When it comes to stroke, acting FAST can save a life and improve recovery.

A heart attack is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Acting quickly can reduce damage to the heart and improve the chances of survival and recovery. If you or someone around you is experiencing the symptoms below, call 911 immediately. Do not delay seeking emergency medical care.


Common Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack

  • Chest discomfort – Pressure, squeezing, fullness, tightness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest that lasts for several minutes or goes away and returns.
  • Pain or discomfort in the upper body – Pain that may spread to one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing that may occur with or without chest discomfort.
  • Other warning signs – Cold sweat, nausea or vomiting, lightheadedness, dizziness, unusual fatigue, or a feeling of impending doom.

Important: Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person. Women, older adults, and individuals with diabetes may experience less typical symptoms, such as unexplained fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, or back or jaw pain.


If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital unless there is no other option. Prompt emergency care can save heart muscle and save lives.