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Emergency Department Operating Procedures

Although an emergency room seems to be a disordered or chaotic place due to the amount of patients coming in for treatment, hospitals have a set procedure to ensure that you receive proper treatment without having to go through too much pain. Doctors, surgeons and nurses work in a coordinated fashion. Understanding what goes on when you're admitted to the ER can make the experience slightly less stressful for you.

  1. Admittance and Triage

    • When you reach the hospital, you'll have to be admitted at the front desk. Anyone who brings you to the hospital will need to explain what happened with as many details as possible and present your health insurance information. They should explain any existing medical complications you have and give the name of your primary physician. After this, you undergo a process called triage. This aids hospital staff in determining the severity of your condition and how quickly you should receive treatment. Triage, according to Medicine Net, means "to sort or choose" in French. The triage nurse tests three of your body systems during triage: the brain, the heart and the lungs. If these three parts of your body remain in working order, you'll be asked to wait on patients who have more severe conditions.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    • After you've been admitted, the staff will run a series of diagnostic treatments to determine the symptoms you have. The vital statistics monitored include body temperature, pulse, breathing and brain activity. You will have to take a blood test to test for infection. A low red blood cell count indicates anemia. A high white blood cell count indicates the presence of infection, according to Lab Tests Online. If you have to have an operation, you'll be required to sign a consent form after hearing the potential risks and benefits of the operation. In the event of severe trauma, such as a laceration or fracture, you will receive a blood transfusion if necessary, or a cast and splint for a fracture.

    Follow-up

    • After you receive treatment and are stabilized, the doctor who treated you will give you a list of things you should do to care for yourself upon discharge, such as medication dosages, special dietary requirements, or equipment you will need. Also, they will send a record of your visit to your primary physician. According to Revolution Health, discharge papers take from 24 to 72 hours to be prepared, so you should obtain a release-of-records form. This gives the emergency facility the legal right to send your records to your primary physician.

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