When you arrive, the Emergency Department registration clerk will notify a registered nurse that you are here to be treated.  You will be escorted to our triage area where the nurse will document your illness or injury and take your vital signs, including temperature and blood pressure.  The RN will determine if you have a life-threatening condition, thus establishing the priority for treatment; the most serious patients are treated first.  If a treatment room is not immediately available, you will be asked to remain in our waiting room temporarily until a treatment room is ready for you.

We ask that only one person be designated as your support person during your treatment here.  We encourage both parents to accompany a small child unless brothers and sisters are also here.  Then, one parent should remain with the patient and the other parent should stay with the other children in our waiting room.

Once you are in a treatment room, you will be asked to put on a patient gown.  The gown assists the examination and helps in obtaining blood tests, X-rays, EKGs, or administering medications.  After your examination, diagnostic tests will be made to determine treatment.  Each test will add time to your stay.  Blood test results take about an hour.  X-rays may be ready in 15 minutes, but other patients may be ahead of you.  Some tests must be interpreted by a specialist.  We may also consult with your private physician, or another facility that has your prior medical records.  This can all add up to a lot of waiting.

When your test results are received, the Physician will discuss with you the best ways to manage your illness or injury.  If you need new medications, you will receive a prescription.  You will also receive specific instructions on what to do if you do not get better as expected.

One of our primary goals is to reduce the pain or discomfort you are experiencing.  We will ask you to rate your pain on a 0 to 10 scale.  Each time we try to reduce your pain, we will ask you to rate your pain again.  This helps us determine what works best for you.  If you are given a medication that makes you sleepy, you will -- with exceptions -- need to have someone drive you home.

Our professional staff must maintain the confidentiality and privacy of ALL our patients, including you.  You and your visitor should remain in the treatment room, unless your visitor is directed to leave for a brief period.

Do not eat, drink, or take any medications without checking with the Emergency Department staff.  Smoking is not permitted within the hospital.

We are committed to serving the health care needs of our community through our Core Values (dignity, collaboration, justice, stewardship and excellence) and are committed to giving excellent patient care.  Soon after your visit to our Emergency Department, you will receive a survey by mail.  Please take the time to share your thoughts, feelings and comments on your patient experience.

If you would like someone to contact you about a specific issue, you can include your name and phone number on the survey for follow-up.