When medical emergencies arise, you might not have time to make an appointment with your primary care doctor. This is when ER services are needed. Quality medical facilities like an ER provide emergency services that can save lives and help patients get the quick medical attention they need. According to The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, each year, one in five Americans will visit the emergency room at least once. Here are a few things you can expect when you visit the ER.
 

Check-In

When you first arrive, you’ll get checked in. The staff will take your information and details about your medical emergency. They will then place you in a waiting area based on the severity of your emergency. Here you’ll await triage.

Triage

During triage, you’ll be evaluated by a staff member to assess the detailed nature of your emergency. At this point, you’ll be placed in line for care based on your symptoms, the amount of other patients, and the urgency of your situation. You might receive some types of treatment during triage including oxygen, pain medication, or other medication that can help your immediate symptoms. If you have a life-threatening medical problem, you will not be asked to wait after triage. Additionally, if you have trauma or an injury requiring immediate attention, you will not be asked to wait. If your problem is not life-threatening and isn’t a severe injury, then you will be placed back in the waiting area to wait for a room.

Treatment

Once you’re taken to a room, a doctor will see you. They will conduct a thorough examination of your condition and determine if you need to be admitted to the hospital. If it's necessary to be admitted, you’ll await a regular hospital room. If you don’t need to be admitted to the hospital, then you’ll receive appropriate treatment and be discharged. You can receive any type of treatment in the ER that you would receive as an admitted patient.

These are just a few things that you can expect if you must visit the ER. If you’re looking for quality medical services in your area, please contact Family Emergency Room at Georgetown today. We are here to help with your medical needs.