What is triage?
Triage is the process of
sorting individuals into groups based on their needs. Upon arrival
in the emergency department, a registered nurse will ask questions
about the patient’s illness, injury or medical history and will
perform a brief exam to determine the severity of the condition. The
physician will see patients with the most critical conditions first.
 What happens after checking in?
The admitting staff will ask for additional information to complete
a patient record. The triage nurse may begin treatment and provide
for comfort by offering bandages, ice or certain medications.
Certain x-rays can also be ordered at this time.
Why is there a wait to be
seen?
Emergency departments are busy places with peak hours ranging from
11 am to 11 pm. Weekends and holidays also tend to have increased
traffic when doctors’ offices are closed. The emergency room staff
works very hard to ensure all patients are seen in a timely manner
and wait times are kept to a minimum.
What happens after being
taken to a bed?
A nurse will continue with a bedside exam to obtain a more complete
history about the reason for visit. After the physician examines the
patient, additional tests or treatment may be ordered, which may
lengthen the patient's stay in the emergency department. Based on
the test results and the patient’s current condition, the physician
will make a decision to either discharge or admit. The patient’s
primary care physician may be called to assist in this decision.
Do patients have to wait for
a bed once admitted to the hospital?
Wait times depend on the number of available beds and the type of
bed the physician has requested.
Are visitors allowed in the
emergency room?
Visitors are welcome at the hospital depending on the patient’s
condition as well as the policies of each emergency department.
Pastoral care is available to support and comfort you and your
family.
Are children allowed in the
emergency department?
If you have small children with you, please do not allow them to
play near cars or ambulances. All children must stay with an adult.
What about pain relief while
in the emergency department?
Each person feels and tolerates pain differently. Pain that does not
go away can be a sign of trouble, please notify a nurse if this is
the case. Infants and younger children may show pain by frowning,
crying, or being fussy with tense arms and legs.
What about follow-up care?
Examination and treatment in the emergency department is on an
emergency basis only and does not substitute for definitive and
ongoing evaluation and medical care. Instructions for follow-up care
will be provided. It is essential to make arrangements for follow-up
care as instructed. Report any new or remaining problems at that
time since it is impossible to recognize and treat all elements of
injury or disease in a single emergency room visit. The emergency
department will generally provide a list of physicians or clinics in
the area that can give follow-up treatment to those who do not have
a primary care physician already selected.
What else is important to
know?
Patients should not eat or drink anything until a physician or nurse
has given approval.
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