Emergency Care

When a patient arrives at the Emergency Department within the Trauma Center, either staff members will meet the ambulance service or greet the patient and ask the reason for the visit. Walk-in and emergency patients’ status is determined by a nurse specially trained for making such evaluations. This process is called triage.

If the triage nurse determines it is necessary for a patient to be treated immediately, he or she will be brought directly into an examination room. Otherwise, the nurse will complete the assessment and the patient will return to the waiting room until the next examination room is available. Once in an exam room a patient will be seen by a registration clerk to confirm or add information into the computerized record. Questions for first-time registrants will include information about their primary care physician, employer, and health insurance.

Please note: Professionals in the Emergency Department provide care for patients experiencing all kinds of illness and injury – some of which are truly life threatening. Thankfully, many are not. It is important that the most sick and severely injured patients be cared for first. Patients, their friends and family should always bear this in mind.

Medical Consent
Under most conditions other than a life-threatening emergency, Trauma Center and Emergency Department personnel are unable to treat a patient without documented consent. The consent of a parent or legal guardian is required for children under 18 years of age, except under certain limited conditions, as defined by law.

The patient will be brought to an appropriate treatment area as soon as one is available. Patients arriving by ambulance or who have otherwise been determined to require care on an emergency basis, will be treated first.

We understand that patients may sometimes feel their wait seems long, but be assured that they have not been forgotten and will receive care as soon as possible. Patients, or friends and family accompanying them, should ask for an update, as needed, from the staff at the triage desk.

When a patient enters the treatment room, the nurse will continue evaluating the illness or injury by asking further questions, checking physical condition and beginning the test process, such as X-rays and blood tests. Then, one of our emergency physicians or nurse practitioners/physician assistants will examine the patient. Although some of their questions may seem similar to the nursing evaluation, it is important for the physician or ACP directing care to develop his/her own impression of an illness or injury. Following the exam, additional tests or treatments may be ordered.

Although we do not like to keep patients waiting, sometimes it is unavoidable. Tests may need to be conducted, processed and evaluated. Often the physician may need to speak with the patient's primary care doctor or a specialist, in order to coordinate an appropriate course of treatment.

To ensure all patients' privacy and anonymity, we ask that patients and their visitors remain in their treatment rooms. Patient care is most important to us and we appreciate the patience and understanding of everyone waiting for direct attention.

We believe in the power of advanced technology and the expertise of our board-certified emergency doctors. Our commitment to excellence drives us to invest in the latest advancements in medical technology. From advanced imaging systems to state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, we ensure that our healthcare professionals have access to the most advanced tools available.

Together, our cutting-edge technology and experienced doctors work seamlessly to deliver precise and efficient care. This combination allows us to provide you with the best possible outcomes and a heightened level of confidence during your time of need.

We learned a lot from the COVID pandemic, and we incorporated those learnings into our new Emergency Department. To help ensure patient safety and infection control, and as part of our commitment to providing the highest level of care, we have incorporated negative pressure rooms into our emergency facility.

Our negative pressure rooms are specially designed to create a controlled environment that helps prevent the spread of airborne contaminants and infectious diseases. These rooms play a critical role in isolating patients with contagious conditions, protecting healthcare providers, visitors, and other patients from potential exposure.

We strive to provide you with an environment where you can feel secure and at ease, even during the most challenging times. That's why we have created private patient rooms that prioritize your comfort and well-being. Our thoughtfully designed spaces incorporate serene colors and maximize natural light to create a more calming atmosphere. Within these private rooms, you'll receive personalized attention from our dedicated medical team, allowing you to focus solely on your recovery.