ESCONDIDO, CA — September 29, 2025 — When emergencies happen, every second matters. That is why Palomar Health’s Emergency Department is making meaningful changes that patients and families across North San Diego County can already see, from quicker response times to more compassionate support during a crisis.  

Patients arriving by ambulance at Palomar Health’s Emergency Department are being transitioned into care faster, with nearly 88 percent of patients receiving medical attention in under 30 minutes. At the same time, staff are focusing on comfort and reassurance during those first critical minutes. For those experiencing a psychiatric emergency, Palomar Health’s expanded behavioral health resources reduce wait times, quickly connecting patients with the critical care and resources they need. 

For patients facing life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, stroke or sepsis, Palomar Health’s response times surpass national standards, leading to quicker, vital care that not only saves lives but vastly improves recovery. Data also shows that Palomar’s EMS door-to-treatment times are some of the fastest in the region, giving patients a critical advantage when every minute counts in a medical emergency.  

“Every day we see the difference these improvements are making for our patients,” said Dr. Bruce Friedberg, Medical Director of Palomar Health’s Emergency Department. “Whether it is getting a heart attack patient to treatment in record time or ensuring someone in crisis does not wait overnight for help, our focus is on delivering the very best care when it matters most.”    

Behind Palomar Health’s excellent standard of care is a team of physicians, nurses and staff at both the Escondido and Poway campuses who are innovating new ways to put patients first. From daily check-ins to streamlined processes, teamwork is creating a smoother, more supportive experience for everyone who walks through the doors.  

“Emergency medicine is the front line of healthcare, and these results show our commitment to putting patients first,” said Diane Hansen, President and CEO of Palomar Health. “Our community trusts us to be ready in their most critical moments, and we are proud to deliver care that is faster, safer and more compassionate than ever.”  

Palomar Health continues to build on these improvements in its Emergency Department with a commitment to innovation, accountability and its mission of reimagining healthcare for the community it serves. These efforts ensure that patients and families receive not only faster treatment, but also the compassionate support they need in their most critical moments.