What to Expect From an Emergency Visit

Trips to the emergency department can feel stressful and chaotic for many reasons. However, in the event of an emergency, Cameron has a system of steps to guide you through the process, from intake to departure, to ensure your care experience is smooth and successful.

Arrival

Not all health issues require a trip to the emergency department. Stitching minor lacerations and treating cold symptoms can be done at Cameron Urgent Care. Toothaches and dental problems should be directed to your dentist. Other minor conditions are better suited for your family doctor or virtual care, which will save you time and money. If you’re not sure where you should seek care, check out this infographic for more information.

Depending on the injury or illness, your transportation method may vary. An ambulance ride will be your quickest way to the emergency department and should only be used for life-threatening conditions. During your ride, the medics will assess your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygenation, and blood sugar level. Additionally, oxygen or other treatments might be administered while you are en route.

Bringing a list of your medications and paperwork outlining power of attorney or other advance directives will be helpful to the emergency staff; however, you aren’t required to bring anything to the hospital. If you are experiencing an emergency, it is more important to get to the hospital than to grab a list of medications and other personal information.

Intake Process

Once you arrive by car, your visit will begin at the registrar’s desk. The patient registrar will greet you and ask for your name, date of birth and reason for your visit to start the process. They will then call the triage nurse and inform them a patient has arrived.

The triage nurse will take you to an available bed and begin an assessment to gain a general understanding of your condition. After the triage nurse evaluates your situation, the primary nurse and doctor will come in and order any necessary tests. Your doctor will share the results with you and discuss next steps after the tests are completed.

If you experience wait times in the emergency department, please be patient with the process, especially during busy seasons (summer weekends, flu season and holidays). Emergency patients are not seen in the order of their arrival. Emergency nurses are skilled professionals who can quickly assess the urgency of every condition and will treat you as quickly and effectively as they can.

Emergency Experience

After intake, you will be assigned a highly experienced, charismatic team ready to help you get the help you need to feel better. Cameron’s emergency nurses and staff, some with over 20 years of experience, always put the patient first and strive to deliver the highest quality of care possible. Cameron’s staff is required to complete regular trainings and certifications to stay up to date on the latest treatments and procedures. Because of this, the Cameron Emergency Department can do everything that an urban emergency department can, including in-house sexual assault assessments and treatment, advanced cardiac life support and emergency pediatric care.

COVID-19 Protocols

Cameron takes proactive steps to keep all patients safe from infection; therefore, an emergency experience today will differ slightly from a pre-pandemic visit. To keep staff and patients isolated from disease, COVID-19 patients wait for treatment in a separate waiting area. As case numbers fluctuate throughout the state, Cameron enforces rules and measures to promote good hygiene and social distancing.

The emergency department has patient care rooms specially designed for patients with COVID-19 symptoms. If you are visiting the emergency department because of COVID-19 symptoms, emergency nurses will evaluate your vital signs and determine the best course of action for treatment.

Cameron offers outpatient treatments, including monoclonal antibody infusions, to treat COVID-19. These treatments are provided to patients with certain risk factors that lead to severe COVID-19 progression. Examples include patients that are pregnant or patients that are over the age of 65. Your family doctor, or local urgent care provider, can determine if you are eligible and order the treatment.

Visits to the emergency department for the purpose of COVID-19 testing is not recommended. You can schedule a free COVID-19 test on the State of Indiana’s webpage.

Road to Recovery

No matter your situation, Cameron is prepared for the unexpected. When you enter our emergency department, the medical team is ready to provide the best treatment and support possible. By knowing the steps of emergency treatment, you can help your Cameron team to relieve your symptoms and better aid your recovery.