On the water the question is not where the hospital is — it is which ramp or dock you run to, and what is on shore when you get there. Worth reading before you need it.
Channel 16 is monitored by the Coast Guard and by every vessel within range. Give your position, the nature of the problem, and how many people are aboard.
Offshore, the radio beats a phone: a VHF call is heard by the Coast Guard and by every boat within range at once, and those boats are the ones who reach you first. A phone call reaches one person who is not on the water.
From Surf City. Pick a different stretch below to see its exits.
Inland at Burgaw — a long drive from the Topsail beaches despite looking close on a map.
The largest hospital on this stretch. Not the same site as the NHRMC Orthopedic Hospital on Wrightsville Ave.
The largest hospital on this stretch. Not the same site as the NHRMC Orthopedic Hospital on Wrightsville Ave.
7 confirmed. Behavioural-health and orthopaedic-only hospitals are deliberately left out — sending somebody to one of those instead of a real emergency department would be a genuine harm.
The largest hospital on this stretch. Not the same site as the NHRMC Orthopedic Hospital on Wrightsville Ave.
A small community hospital — closest to the Cape Fear inlets, but a serious injury may be moved on to Wilmington.
Inland at Burgaw — a long drive from the Topsail beaches despite looking close on a map.
The ER for Beaufort, Morehead City, Atlantic Beach and everything out to Cape Lookout.
On the base. Access is restricted — do not plan a civilian run here.
Walk-in only. Fine for a hook, a cut or a sting — not for a serious injury. This list is certainly incomplete — see the note at the bottom.
Reference information only. In an emergency call 911 or hail the Coast Guard on VHF 16 first — do not spend time in an app. This page gives locations and distances and nothing else: it offers no medical guidance, and it is not a substitute for knowing where you are.