Emergency Medicine
What to Expect at the Emergency Department
If you arrive by ambulance or unconscious, you will be assigned to a patient bed immediately for treatment. If someone else drives you to the Emergency Department, you will enter the waiting room where your medical condition will be assessed.
Triage
A nurse trained to handle emergency room cases will determine the severity of your condition based on your symptoms. Your vital signs, namely, temperature, heart rate and blood pressure will be checked, and your name, address and medical history will be immediately recorded.
Examination
You will then be directed to an examination area where an emergency physician will examine you and order tests such as X-rays, blood tests, or ECGs.
Treatment
If you are critically ill or require intravenous medications or fluids, you may be admitted to the hospital.
If you are not seriously ill, an emergency physician will discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan with you before you are discharged. You may receive written instructions regarding medications, restrictions, or symptoms that may require a follow-up visit.
