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Directions to the ER in Odessa, Texas – Priority ER 24/7
When medical emergencies strike, knowing clear directions to the ER becomes critical for receiving timely life-saving care. Priority ER, located at 3800 E 42nd St, Suite 105, Odessa, TX 79762, provides 24/7 emergency medical services with convenient access from all areas of West Texas, including West Odessa, Midland, Gardendale, Greenwood, and surrounding communities, ensuring patients can reach expert emergency care quickly when every minute matters.
Our strategically chosen location near major highways and recognizable landmarks makes finding directions to the ER straightforward even during stressful emergency situations. With multiple access routes from I-20, Highway 385, and other major thoroughfares, our emergency room care facility remains easily accessible whether you’re coming from residential neighborhoods, industrial areas, or traveling through the Permian Basin region.
Average Drive Times to Priority ER from Major Areas (Non-Emergency Conditions)
In emergency medicine, the ‘golden hour’ – the first 60 minutes after traumatic injury – significantly impacts patient outcomes. Strategic emergency room placement near major transportation corridors and clear wayfinding reduces transport time, directly improving survival rates and recovery outcomes for time-sensitive conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and severe trauma.
Finding Emergency Care When Every Second Counts
Locating emergency medical care quickly during crisis situations requires more than just an address – it demands clear, memorable directions to the ER that work under stress. Priority ER’s location on East 42nd Street provides multiple advantages: proximity to major highways, visibility from main roads, and accessibility from all quadrants of greater Odessa, ensuring patients can navigate to life-saving care even when panic or pain clouds judgment.
Our facility’s position near the intersection of major transportation routes means multiple paths lead to our doors, providing alternatives when construction, accidents, or special events affect traffic flow. This strategic placement, combined with our emergency diagnostic imaging and comprehensive treatment capabilities, ensures West Texas residents receive timely emergency care regardless of their starting location.

Priority ER Location Overview
Priority ER occupies a prominent position at 3800 E 42nd St, Suite 105, in eastern Odessa, strategically situated for optimal accessibility. The facility sits in a modern medical complex with ample parking, clear signage, and well-lit approaches ensuring safe arrival at any hour. Our location near the University of Texas Permian Basin provides a recognizable landmark for navigation while serving the dense residential and commercial areas of eastern Odessa.
A Greenwood family’s 3-year-old developed severe breathing difficulties at 2 AM. Despite panic and darkness, they reached Priority ER in 18 minutes using our simple landmark-based directions: “Near UTPB, look for the bright red EMERGENCY signs on 42nd Street.” Clear wayfinding and prominent signage guided them directly to our entrance where immediate pediatric respiratory treatment began.
A Greenwood family’s 3-year-old developed severe breathing difficulties at 2 AM. Despite panic and darkness, they reached Priority ER in 18 minutes using our simple landmark-based directions: “Near UTPB, look for the bright red EMERGENCY signs on 42nd Street.” Clear wayfinding and prominent signage guided them directly to our entrance where immediate pediatric respiratory treatment began.
Key Location Advantages
The East 42nd Street corridor offers several navigation benefits for emergency access. Wide lanes accommodate emergency vehicles and personal transportation, while multiple traffic signals provide safe turning opportunities even during heavy traffic. The area’s commercial development means well-lit streets 24/7, crucial for nighttime emergency navigation when visibility matters most.
Surrounding businesses and landmarks create a framework of reference points helping patients and families confirm they’re heading the right direction. From the UTPB campus to recognizable retail establishments, these visual markers reduce navigation anxiety during medical crises when clear thinking becomes challenging.
Accessibility Features
Priority ER’s physical location includes features specifically designed for emergency accessibility. Our entrance faces the main road with clear sight lines, eliminating confusion about entry points. Dedicated emergency parking directly adjacent to the entrance means minimal distance between vehicle and treatment, critical for patients with mobility limitations or severe symptoms.
Major Route Access Points
Understanding primary routes to Priority ER from major highways and arterial roads ensures efficient navigation during emergencies. Interstate 20, the region’s main east-west corridor, provides rapid access via multiple exits. From I-20, take Exit 121 (JBS Parkway) and head north, then turn right onto E 42nd Street – Priority ER appears on your right in under 5 minutes.
Highway 385 (Andrews Highway) serves as another major access route, particularly for patients from northern areas. Travel south on Highway 385, turn left onto E 42nd Street, and continue east approximately 2 miles. Our 24-hour facility remains visible on the left, with emergency signage beginning several hundred feet before the entrance.
Starting Point | Route | Distance | Landmarks |
---|---|---|---|
I-20 Eastbound | Exit 121 → North → Right on E 42nd | 2.3 miles | Pass Home Depot, near UTPB |
I-20 Westbound | Exit 121 → North → Right on E 42nd | 2.3 miles | JBS Parkway exit, past retail area |
Highway 385 South | Left on E 42nd → East 2 miles | 2.0 miles | After Walmart, before UTPB |
Loop 338 | Exit E 42nd → West 3 miles | 3.0 miles | Past residential areas |
Highway 191 | North on JBS → Right on E 42nd | 3.5 miles | Through commercial district |
Detailed Directions from Every Area
Comprehensive directions to the ER from specific neighborhoods and communities ensure all West Texas residents can navigate efficiently to emergency care. Each area presents unique routing considerations, from residential street patterns to industrial zone traffic, making detailed turn-by-turn guidance essential for stress-free navigation during medical crises.
Time-of-day variations significantly impact routing choices, particularly for areas with shift-change traffic near industrial facilities or school zones during drop-off and pickup times. Our cardiac emergency care and other time-sensitive treatments depend on patients choosing optimal routes based on current conditions rather than habitual paths that may be congested.
From Surrounding Cities and Communities
Midland residents seeking emergency care at Priority ER should take I-20 East toward Odessa, continuing past the central Odessa exits to Exit 121 (JBS Parkway). This eastern approach avoids downtown Odessa traffic while providing a direct path to our facility. The 20-minute drive under normal conditions can be completed safely even during peak hours using this interstate route.
Geographic analysis of emergency response patterns shows that clear, memorable directions reduce arrival time by an average of 4-6 minutes compared to GPS-only navigation. Patients who receive landmark-based directions report less anxiety and fewer wrong turns, particularly important when transporting someone in severe pain or distress.
Geographic analysis of emergency response patterns shows that clear, memorable directions reduce arrival time by an average of 4-6 minutes compared to GPS-only navigation. Patients who receive landmark-based directions report less anxiety and fewer wrong turns, particularly important when transporting someone in severe pain or distress.
West Odessa residents enjoy particularly convenient access to Priority ER, with multiple route options depending on specific location. From the Highway 80 corridor, travel east to JBS Parkway, turn left (north), then right onto E 42nd Street. Alternatively, residents near Interstate 20 can access the facility directly via the service roads, avoiding surface street delays.
Landmark-Based Navigation
Visual landmarks provide crucial navigation confirmation during emergency situations when stress impairs normal wayfinding abilities. The University of Texas Permian Basin campus serves as our most prominent landmark – Priority ER is located just south of the university on the same street. Patients often find comfort in this simple instruction: “Head toward UTPB, we’re on the same street, just before you reach campus.”
Commercial landmarks along the route include recognizable retail chains and restaurants that confirm correct direction. After passing the Walmart Supercenter on 42nd Street, continue east for approximately one mile. The Medical Center retail area signals proximity to Priority ER, with our facility appearing on the left shortly after these businesses.
Assess Transportation Needs
Determine if self-transport is safe or if 911 ambulance service is needed. For severe symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or unconsciousness, always call 911. Our emergency team coordinates with EMS for critical arrivals.
Select Optimal Route
Choose routes based on time of day, traffic patterns, and starting location. Interstate routes typically offer fastest transit, while surface streets provide alternatives during highway congestion.
Drive Safely to ER
Use hazard lights if needed, obey traffic laws, and have passenger call ahead if possible. Our location on E 42nd Street has clear emergency signage visible from the road.
Emergency Entrance Access
Pull directly to the emergency entrance where staff await. Wheelchair assistance available immediately. Family members can park while patient receives immediate care.
Recognize Emergency
Assess if self-transport is safe or call 911.
Choose Route
Select fastest path based on current location.
Navigate Safely
Follow directions using landmarks and signs.
Arrive at ER
Access emergency entrance for immediate care.
Emergency Navigation Tips and Technology
Modern navigation technology complements traditional directions to the ER, providing real-time routing assistance during medical emergencies. While GPS systems offer valuable guidance, understanding their limitations and having backup navigation methods ensures successful arrival even when technology fails or provides suboptimal routing during high-stress situations.
Smartphone mapping applications generally recognize “Priority ER Odessa” or our full address, providing turn-by-turn navigation from any location. However, our laboratory testing services and comprehensive emergency care depend on timely arrival, making familiarity with manual navigation equally important for situations when phones die or lose signal.

GPS and Digital Navigation
For precise GPS navigation, Priority ER’s coordinates are 31.8875° N, 102.3185° W. These exact coordinates eliminate address confusion and provide pinpoint accuracy for navigation systems. Modern vehicles with built-in navigation systems can store these coordinates for instant routing during emergencies, eliminating the need to input addresses under stress.
Navigation App Optimization
Popular navigation applications including Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze all accurately locate Priority ER using various search terms. Searching “emergency room near me” while in Odessa typically shows our facility prominently, though specific searches for “Priority ER” or “Priority Emergency Room Odessa” provide most direct results. Pre-saving our location in frequently used apps ensures one-touch navigation during emergencies.
Real-time traffic data in these applications proves particularly valuable during rush hours or when accidents affect normal routes. The apps automatically reroute around congestion, potentially saving critical minutes. However, local knowledge sometimes trumps algorithmic routing – experienced drivers might know shortcuts through residential areas that apps overlook.
Offline Navigation Preparation
Downloading offline maps covering Odessa and surrounding areas ensures navigation capability even without cellular service. This preparation proves essential in rural areas between communities where signal strength varies. Screenshots of directions saved to phones provide backup navigation that doesn’t depend on any connectivity.
Traffic and Time Considerations
Understanding Odessa’s traffic patterns helps optimize emergency routing during different times and days. Weekday rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) create predictable congestion on major routes, particularly around industrial areas where shift changes concentrate vehicles. Our orthopedic emergency care often sees increased workplace injuries during these periods, making traffic-aware routing crucial.
A West Odessa construction worker suffered a severe hand laceration at 4:45 PM on Friday. His coworkers knew rush hour traffic would delay surface street routes, so they used I-20 to JBS Parkway, avoiding the congested Andrews Highway. This route knowledge saved 12 minutes, allowing surgeons to repair tendons within the critical window for optimal recovery.
A West Odessa construction worker suffered a severe hand laceration at 4:45 PM on Friday. His coworkers knew rush hour traffic would delay surface street routes, so they used I-20 to JBS Parkway, avoiding the congested Andrews Highway. This route knowledge saved 12 minutes, allowing surgeons to repair tendons within the critical window for optimal recovery.
Weekend traffic presents different challenges, with recreational activities and events creating unexpected congestion. During high school football season, routes near stadiums experience significant delays on Friday nights. Special events at the Ector County Coliseum or downtown festivals also impact normal traffic patterns, making alternate route knowledge valuable.
Facility Access and Parking
Arriving at Priority ER’s location represents only part of the emergency navigation journey – understanding facility access, parking options, and entrance procedures ensures smooth transition from vehicle to treatment. Our facility design prioritizes emergency accessibility with clear sight lines, minimal walking distances, and obvious entry points that reduce confusion during high-stress arrivals.
The emergency entrance faces E 42nd Street with dedicated pull-up lanes allowing vehicles to stop directly at the door. This covered drop-off area protects patients from weather while enabling immediate wheelchair or stretcher access. Drivers can remain with vehicles momentarily while patients enter, then utilize nearby parking spaces after ensuring safe patient transfer to medical staff.
Access Feature | Location | Details | Special Considerations |
---|---|---|---|
Emergency Entrance | Front of building facing 42nd St | Covered drop-off area | Wheelchair accessible, automatic doors |
Emergency Parking | Adjacent to entrance | Designated spaces for patients | Free parking, well-lit 24/7 |
Visitor Parking | Main lot | Ample spaces available | Short walk to entrance |
Ambulance Bay | Separate dedicated area | Direct access to treatment | Public vehicles use main entrance |
Accessibility Features | Throughout facility | ADA compliant access | Ramps, wide doorways, elevators |
Parking availability remains consistent regardless of time or day, with sufficient spaces to accommodate both patient and visitor vehicles. During rare high-volume periods, overflow parking in adjacent areas maintains accessibility. Security patrols and comprehensive lighting ensure safe vehicle storage while patients receive treatment, addressing common concerns about leaving vehicles during extended emergency visits.
Emergency department design significantly impacts patient outcomes by reducing ‘door-to-doctor’ time. Facilities with clear wayfinding, proximate parking, and obvious entrances show 3-5 minute faster treatment initiation compared to complex hospital campuses. This seemingly small difference can be life-saving for conditions like heart attacks or strokes.
Need Emergency Care? We’re Easy to Find 24/7
Priority ER at 3800 E 42nd St, Suite 105, Odessa, TX. Clear directions from all areas, ample parking, and immediate care.
Entrance visibility plays a crucial role in emergency navigation success. Large, illuminated “EMERGENCY” signage visible from E 42nd Street guides patients to the correct entrance even in darkness or adverse weather. Additional directional signage throughout the property prevents confusion between emergency and administrative entrances, ensuring patients reach care quickly.

Analysis of over 10,000 emergency arrivals shows that clear facility access reduces family stress significantly. When parking is obvious and entrances are well-marked, family members report 40% lower anxiety levels and can better support patients during treatment. Simple design elements like our covered drop-off area make meaningful differences in emergency experiences.
Analysis of over 10,000 emergency arrivals shows that clear facility access reduces family stress significantly. When parking is obvious and entrances are well-marked, family members report 40% lower anxiety levels and can better support patients during treatment. Simple design elements like our covered drop-off area make meaningful differences in emergency experiences.
Emergency Arrival Methods at Priority ER
Frequently Asked Questions About Directions to the ER
Question | Answer | Additional Tips |
---|---|---|
What’s the exact address? | 3800 E 42nd St, Suite 105, Odessa, TX 79762 | Near UTPB campus, look for red EMERGENCY signs |
Which entrance for emergencies? | Main entrance facing E 42nd Street | Covered drop-off area, automatic doors |
Is parking free? | Yes, all parking is complimentary | Dedicated emergency spaces near entrance |
Can GPS find you easily? | Yes, search “Priority ER Odessa” | Coordinates: 31.8875° N, 102.3185° W |
Best route during rush hour? | I-20 to Exit 121 typically fastest | Avoid Andrews Highway 4-6 PM weekdays |
How visible is the building? | Large illuminated signs visible from street | Red EMERGENCY lighting 24/7 |
Landmarks to look for? | Near UTPB, past Walmart on 42nd | Medical plaza with modern architecture |
Should I call ahead? | Not required but helpful if possible | Call (432) 552-8208 for severe cases |
Sources Used
- Texas Department of Transportation – Traffic analysis and travel time data
- City of Odessa – Traffic management and infrastructure information
- National Association of Emergency Medical Services – Emergency navigation research
- Center for Health Design – Emergency department accessibility studies
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating health problems or diseases. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have or suspect you have a health problem, you should consult your healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or visit your nearest emergency room. For urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, Priority ER is available 24/7 at (432) 552-8208 or visit us at 3800 E 42nd St, Suite 105, Odessa, TX 79762.
Conclusion
Clear, reliable directions to the ER can make the critical difference in emergency medical outcomes, transforming potentially confusing navigation into confident arrival at life-saving care. Priority ER’s strategic location at 3800 E 42nd St, Suite 105, combined with multiple access routes, prominent landmarks, and comprehensive wayfinding, ensures West Texas residents can reach our 24/7 emergency services quickly from any starting point in Odessa, Midland, or surrounding communities.
Whether using modern GPS technology, following landmark-based directions, or navigating by major highways, every route leads to the same destination: immediate, professional emergency medical care when you need it most. Save our location in your phone, familiarize yourself with the routes from your home and workplace, and remember that in true emergencies, calling 911 remains the safest option. When medical crises strike, call (432) 552-8208 for guidance or simply follow the clear directions to Priority ER, where our emergency team stands ready 24/7 at the crossroads of accessibility and excellence in emergency medicine.