Emergency department

Emergency department (also known as emergency room, ER, accident & emergency, A&E, emergency ward, or casualty department) is a medical treatment facility specializing in acute care of patients who present without prior appointment, either by their own means or by ambulance.

Overview

The emergency department is usually found in a hospital or other primary care center. Due to the unplanned nature of patient attendance, the department must provide initial treatment for a broad spectrum of illnesses and injuries, some of which may be life-threatening and require immediate attention.

Function

In some countries, emergency departments have become important entry points for those without other means of access to medical care. The emergency departments of most hospitals operate 24 hours a day, although staffing levels may be varied in an attempt to reflect patient volume.

Triage

Triage is normally the first stage the patient passes through, and consists of a brief assessment, including a set of vital signs, and the assignment of a "chief complaint" (i.e. the reason for the patient's visit). Most emergency departments have a dedicated area for this process, and may have staff dedicated to performing nothing but a triage role.

Treatment

In most departments, this role is fulfilled by a triage nurse, although dependent on training levels in the country and area, other health care professionals may perform the triage sorting, including paramedics or doctors. Following triage, patients may undergo further diagnostic tests. Their condition may also be reassessed at regular intervals.

Staffing

The resuscitation area, commonly referred to as Trauma Room or Resus, is a key area in most departments. The most seriously ill or injured patients will be dealt with in this area, as it contains the equipment and staff required for dealing with immediately life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

See also

• Urgent care
• Trauma center
• Intensive care unit
• List of medical emergencies

References

Emergency department Resources
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