Q: What can I expect once I enter the Emergency Department?

A: Upon arrival to the Emergency Department, a registered nurse with experience in emergency medicine will undertake a rapid assessment of your condition, called "triage," and assign a priority level for your treatment. You will be brought directly to a private treatment room as long as a room is available. Once in a room, you will be treated by your primary nurse and a physician as rapidly as possible. You may also see paramedics, patient care technicians, respiratory therapists, and others assisting in your care. Registration will also occur in the privacy of your room, or by a family member possibly at another registration area. Registration ensures that we have your correct medical record and contact information, as well as information that is required to be obtained from all patients such as advance directives and consent for care.

Q: What is the policy on visitors?

A: Family and friend support can be very important to patients in an emergency setting. They also can be helpful to caregivers in providing critical information that may not be available from the patient. This need also must be balanced against the need of the patient and the caregivers for confidentiality and the need of the caregivers to be able to undertake treatment efficiently and without distraction. Our security service will issue one visitor pass per patient, and with the permission of the caregivers will allow additional visitors.

Q: Are the patients treated on a first come, first served basis?

A: No. Emergency Department patients are treated according to the severity of their illness; it is extremely important that patients with the most serious problems are treated first. Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated.

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