The Emergency
Department:
What To Expect
Every year almost 100 million persons seek
care in emergency departments across the United States. Medical
emergencies are unpredictable and usually unexpected. Often, these
emergency visits are accompanied by anxiety and fear over the
health of oneself or that of a loved one.
Coupled with the uncertainty of what will happen while in the
emergency department, the experience can be stressful and even
frightening. You can ease the anxiety of an emergency by learning
some basic facts about the processes and function of your emergency
department. First, it is important to know that over the past
30 years emergency medicine has evolved into a state-of-the-art,
technologically advanced, fully recognized medical specialty.
Today's emergency physicians are highly educated and trained to
handle all kinds of emergency situations and to provide the best
possible care for you and your family.
Arrival
If you arrive by ambulance or have an obviously
critical emergency, you will be assigned a patient bed immediately
and be treated. If your condition appears more stable initially,
you will first check in through the waiting room, and your medical
condition will be assessed in a timely manner.
Triage
Most likely, a nurse will determine the
severity of your condition, based on your symptoms, and check
your vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, and blood
pressure. This process is called "triage." Typically,
the patients with the most critical and life-threatening emergencies
are treated first. If you are asked to remain in the waiting area
until a bed becomes available, the staff will reassess you periodically
and respond to any changes in your condition.
If at any time your condition changes, you must notify the staff.
If it is determined that your condition has become more urgent,
you will be assigned a bed accordingly.
Additional information will also be obtained, such as your name
and address and medical history, and a staff member will prepare
a chart. Most hospitals are highly computerized and this information
and chart are necessary for the ordering of tests, x-rays, and
to start treatment. Anyone who comes to an emergency department
will not be turned away, regardless of his or her ability to pay
or insurance coverage.
Examination
Once you are placed in an examination area,
an emergency physician will interview and examine you. He or she
may order tests and make decisions based on the results. Sometimes
the doctor may call your family physician or a specialist as needed,
but usually the emergency physician will be able to diagnose and
treat your condition without a consultation. Nurses, clerks, and
other staff will also be available to assist you during your visit.
Treatment
Many of the tests are unpleasant and may
require painful procedures such as blood draws and urinary catheters.
The physician will only order tests if they are necessary and
the entire staff will attempt to provide as much comfort and privacy
as possible. If you are critically ill or require constant intravenous
medications, fluids, or monitoring you may be admitted to the
hospital. Otherwise, an emergency physician will discuss your
diagnosis and treatment plan with you before you are discharged.
You may receive medications and other treatments to stabilize
your condition for discharge or transfer as needed. You may also
receive written instructions regarding medications, medical restrictions,
or symptoms that may require a return visit. It is important to
understand that the emergency staff will only send you home in
stable condition, but you are urged to return to the ED at any
time for any questions or changes in your condition.
Your visit to the emergency department
can be an unpleasant experience for several reasons. In addition
to the anxiety, fear, and physical discomfort from tests, it is
often takes quite a bit of time. There are many reasons a trip
to the emergency department can take longer than a visit to the
doctor's office. Unlike a doctor's office, where appointments
are spread out, many emergency patients may arrive at once. Also
unlike a doctor's office, patients often must wait for the results
of x-rays or tests.
You can help make the time pass more quickly
and speed your treatment by planning ahead. Try to leave children
at home. If you must bring them, take along a book or toys to
entertain them. If possible, bring along someone to remain at
your bedside. Also, bring any up-to-date medical records, including
lists of medications and allergies, and any advance directives,
such as a living will. The emergency staff members are all committed
to providing the best and most appropriate care in a timely manner
and to make your visit as pleasant as possible.
If you have any questions regarding your visit to the emergency
department, consult your primary care doctor or feel free to visit
us at River West Medical Center any time day or night.
The Emergency Department at River West
Medical Center is the premiere emergent care facility in Iberville
Parish. We are open 24 hours every day with highly trained physicians
and nursing staff who are committed to the health and safety of
the residents of Iberville and the surrounding parishes.
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