Obviously, we should start with 9-1-1 in an emergency, but then reach out to the ECR. Use the VA’s Emergency Care Reporting (ECR) portal or call 844-72HRVHA (844-724-7842). Here are the steps: 1. To start the authorization process, care coordination, and potential transfer to a VA facility, use VA’s Emergency Care Reporting (ECR) portal or call 844-72HRVHA (844-724-7842). 2. You will need to record the notification identification number assigned through the ECR portal or by phone to retrieve authorization decision information on emergency events. VA no longer includes Veterans’ personal identifying information in outgoing correspondence. 3. You may also need to contact the local VA medical center to coordinate the Veteran’s transfer and follow-on care, if necessary. In most instances, eligible Veterans’ non-COMPACT-related emergency care at an in-network community facility will be authorized if VA is notified within 72 hours of the start of care. Please include a valid email address for decision correspondence.