We must care for critical patients with life-threatening conditions first. If you have a minor illness or injury, you may have to wait while sicker or more severely injured patients are seen first.

The triage process determines who needs to be seen first in order of severity. During triage, the severity of a patient’s condition will be determined. In addition, when a patient first comes to the emergency department, personal and medical history information will be obtained, and vital signs will be checked, including temperature, heart rate and blood pressure.

Our emergency staff works very hard to make sure no one waits so long it will affect the severity of illness or injury. Some patients may wait longer than is ideal, but we do our best to make sure the sickest patients are seen first and that all patients are treated as quickly as possible..

As a patient in the emergency department, you will be cared for by a team of highly skilled professionals. These include the following:
•      A medical doctor (MD / DO) has overall responsibility for your care. Doctors talk to the laboratory, nurses and other doctors as necessary.
•      Physician assistant and/or nurse practitioner are mid-level providers who work in conjunction with the physician to care for your illness or injury.
•      A registered nurse (RN) will assess and monitor your physical condition, give you medication, maintain your intravenous line and keep you and your family informed of any tests and procedures. Each nurse works very closely with your doctor to provide the best care possible for you.
•      Emergency department technicians may also be involved in your care.

Yes, you may have up to two family members wait with you in your treatment room. They must stay by your bedside. If the emergency department becomes full, or if a caregiver feels that you or another patient in the immediate area needs privacy, your family member may be asked to return to the waiting area. For the safety of our patients and staff, the ED is locked down. While we appreciate the need for access to the ED, please be aware that frequent entering and exiting takes away from patient care.

When you are discharged from the emergency department, you will be given instructions on self care and a telephone number to call if you have continued problems. You may be instructed to follow-up with your primary care physician. You will be responsible for your own transportation home.

Our goal is to provide each patient with emergency medical care of the highest quality. If you are dissatisfied with the care you receive at any time during your stay, please inform your nurse or doctor before you leave so that we may address your concerns.

After you are treated and released from the emergency department, you may receive a survey regarding your recent experience. Please complete the survey and return it as soon as possible. We value and appreciate your feedback, and we will use your comments to identify opportunities to improve. We also encourage you to recognize any of our staff members who may have gone above and beyond in delivering your care.