Emergency Care

On arrival, head to the registration desk, where a nurse will listen to the reason for your visit and visually assess your condition. If you are stable, your information will be taken straightaway to enable us to get you into our system immediately. You can check the screen in the waiting area to find out current waiting times, or check the frequently updated average wait times on MyChart before coming to the EMS.

In triage, you will be assessed and evaluated for urgency. A specially-trained triage nurse will ask you a series of standard questions, check your medical history, allergies, list of medications and the history of your present problem, and perform routine tests.

The triage nurse will prioritize your medical needs based on urgency, rather than a first-come, first-served basis. If you are critically ill, you may be taken straight to the main emergency department. Otherwise, take a seat in the waiting area until you are called. If your symptoms worsen while waiting, let a member of our team know. If your medical problem is not urgent, the triage nurse may refer you back to your Primary Care physician.

Our team will efficiently keep your plan of care progressing whether you are waiting or having tests carried out. Ideally, we try to see people in the triage area within 10-15 minutes of their arrival, but delays can occur if we are very busy. If you have any concerns prior to being seen by a doctor, you can talk to a member of our team at any time. They can be found close to the waiting area, and will be constantly checking on those waiting.

Once in a treatment room, a registered nurse and an emergency physician will provide further evaluation and treatment. Once all your tests are complete, we will discuss the next step in your treatment plan. It is important for us that you and your family are actively involved in, and informed of, the entire process. We will let you know the expected waiting time for each step and notify you of any possible delays. Be sure to ask questions. That is what we are here for.

If you are admitted to the hospital for further treatment, you will be kept in the EMS until an appropriate bed becomes available. If you are discharged, we will provide detailed instructions of any needed follow-up care. You may also be provided with prescriptions or other referrals. If you are registered at a JHAH network provider you may be transferred to the designated facility for admission.