Emergency Room

Although this is not a complete list, below are some examples of true emergency situations:

• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing or speaking.
• Paralysis
• New onset confusion
• Head or back injuries
• Consistent bleeding or vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Sudden, severe pain, such as a headache or stomach ache
• Choking
• Poisoning
• Major burns and cuts
• Broken bones
• Any injury that is limb or life-threatening

Predicting how many people will need care at any given time or moment is nearly impossible. But we are ready when you need us most. Our team of board-certified emergency physicians, highly qualified nurses, and other specially trained ED staff share a passion for delivering state-of-the-art, patient-centered medical care. During your visit, you may also see lab technicians, respiratory therapists, radiology technicians, paramedics, and other healthcare professionals.

In the waiting area, you may notice that people who arrive after you are seen before you. This is standard emergency “triage.” Triage means prioritizing everyone’s illnesses.

Please try not to eat or drink until a medical provider sees you. Eating may interfere with your treatment or worsen your condition.

When you arrive at the ED, you will register with a specially trained professional who will note your medical concern and confirm your name, date of birth, and other personal information (we recommend bringing positive ID and insurance information). You will then be taken to one of our private rooms in the ED unless no rooms are available. A registered nurse will complete a brief history and physical assessment, including taking your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, temperature) and assessing your pain. Don’t minimize your symptoms. Be sure to tell the nurse about any chronic health problems, medications you are taking, allergies, or other vital facts related to your health, since this information will help us prioritize or triage which patients require attention first.

If needed, you may also have an electrocardiogram or x-rays taken and an IV inserted to start fluids or needed medications. You may also have blood or urine samples collected at this time or other testing. Tests can take up to 2 hours, but the results are essential for correctly diagnosing and treating your condition.

While patients are waiting to be seen for treatment by the triage staff, please let us know if your condition worsens at any time while you are waiting. We will keep you comfortable and informed of any results or further delays. All of our rooms are private, and we will close the curtains or doors to provide you with the privacy you need while you wait.

Our entire team is committed to keeping you informed and comfortable. If you are experiencing pain, we will try to control it and reassess your comfort. Once your evaluation is complete, the ED provider will coordinate your care.