The Triage Process
If you come to the emergency department with a life-threatening
injury or condition, then you will be taken directly to
the treatment area for immediate care. In other words,
someone with a heart attack will be treated before someone
with an earache. If your condition is not considered life-threatening,
then you will be "triaged."
Triage is the process of determining the level of care
needed and we want to make your wait time as short as
possible. During the triage process, a Registered Nurse
will ask you several questions related to your symptoms
and do a basic evaluation that includes taking your
temperature, checking your blood pressure, and your
pulse. The level of care is categorized with three levels
of care:
 Non-urgent
- means that you have a minor condition or a persistent
complaint
Urgent
- your condition is stable and need treatment
as soon as possible
Emergent
level - life-threatening illness or injuries
Coming to the emergency room can be an unnerving time
and we know that it is comforting to have someone with
you while you are being treated. One person of your
choice may accompany you in the treatment area. Please
keep in mind that there may be times when we will have
to ask the family member or friend to please step outside
of the room.
Remember: The emergency department
treats patients according to the acuity (severity) of
their condition and patients requiring the most immediate
attention will be treated first.
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