Emergency/Trauma Services
Initial Evaluation
The Triage Nurse is responsible for deciding which patients need immediate attention and which patients are less critically injured or sick. People come to the Emergency Department with a variety of illnesses and injuries ranging from colds and minor cuts to life-threatening illnesses such as stroke, heart attack or massive injuries from accidents. Patients enter the Emergency Department through a variety of entrances. Many patients also arrive by ambulance. However, as patients arrive, those who need immediate attention will be taken into exam rooms before those patients who have less critical injuries or illnesses. If all the exam rooms are occupied, patients may be asked to remain in the waiting area until a room becomes available. We apologize if there is a waiting time. During your wait, if you feel your symptoms have changed, please inform the nurse immediately.
Wait times may vary depending on the test requested by your attending physician.