Most medical visits are planned, but what happens when an accident or unforeseen incident lands you or a family member in the emergency department?

While there are many unknowns that come with an emergency department visit, there are certain steps that a patient can likely anticipate, depending upon what brought them there.

“As a Level III trauma center, we strive to provide a high level of care in our emergency department and are capable of caring for a wide range of emergencies,” said Dr. Brian Jekich, an emergency medicine physician at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. “For a small hospital, we have excellent specialty coverage and emphasize patient experience, efficiency and quality.”

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There are a few things that Jekich wants patients and their families to be aware of when they come to the emergency department.

Practice patience

“We make every effort to keep wait times to a minimum,” said Jekich. “We do our best to quickly meet patients on arrival and get the evaluation underway. But there can be variables that affect time to see a provider or may prolong total length of stay such as the season – winter and summer are going to be busier, the day of the week and time of day.”

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Another important factor to keep in mind: patients with the most critical need will be given priority over those with less serious issues.

“We see all types of people of all ages, coming in with unique circumstances,” he said. “Like any emergency department, our doors are always open, but we must triage, and that might influence a person’s length of stay or interaction with staff.”

The emergency department sees patients with a wide gamut of afflictions, from potentially life-threatening issues such as heart attack, stroke, chest and abdominal pain, serious infections, neurological complaints and traumatic injuries, to less complex issues like coughs and colds.

At times, patients may come in with what could be treated at an urgent care clinic or primary care physician office.

“While we are always happy to see people with minor injuries or simple illness, it may be more efficient or cost effective for them to be seen at an urgent care clinic or by their primary care provider,” said Jekich. “More serious issues and concerns should always come to the emergency department, and if there is ever a question, we are always here for you to address your concerns.”

Now that you’re in the emergency department, what’s next?

After being admitted to a room, patients will be asked a series of questions while staff take vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure and an oxygen reading. Blood may be drawn and other necessary tests may be performed. If immediate interventions or procedures are needed for more serious cases, those will occur as well. Family members are usually welcome in the patient room as they can provide additional information and help with any care-giving decisions.

“On initial arrival, there is typically a lot going on all at once,” said Jekich. “We are trying to get information quickly so we can be efficient and rapidly identify any immediate life threats. We always want to give people the opportunity to tell their story, but at times, we may prioritize immediate interventions if they are in serious condition.”

Labs and imaging

Once the medical staff has stabilized the patient and determined the extent of the injury or illness, various lab tests and other medical procedures will commence.

That includes placing an IV if a patient is dehydrated and needs fluids as well as for the administration of medication or blood products. Lab tests will be ordered, as well any imaging based on the complexity of what brought the patient to the emergency department. Those imaging modalities include X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds which look at bones and soft tissue injuries or illness.

“MRIs are generally reserved for serious diagnoses, such as strokes or complex trauma involving the spinal cord,” Jekich said.

Discharge, admit or transfer

Patients who have been diagnosed, treated and no longer need hospital services will be discharged.

Depending upon the severity of their condition, patients may be admitted for further evaluation and treatment or transferred via air or ground ambulance to a higher level of care.

“In situations where a patient is critically ill or severely injured and requires resources not available at our hospital, we will make every effort to get them transferred as quickly as possible,” Jekich said.

Medication

Medication may be prescribed, but on an individual basis and after discussion with the emergency department physician and staff. The patient may receive a couple of doses to take home until the prescription can be filled. Pending the day and time of discharge, the patient can have the prescription filled at YVMC’s outpatient pharmacy before leaving the hospital campus.

“It’s good to come to the emergency department with an open mind in terms of expectations around pain medication and other prescription drugs,” said Jekich. “We want to educate patients and their families whenever we dispense medications.”

Follow-up care

If additional care is necessary after discharge, the physician will recommend follow-up care with primary care providers or other specialists such as cardiologists and orthopedic surgeons.

“We have close relationships and connections with primary and specialty physicians in Steamboat and can offer support services that patients need after they leave,” said Jekich. “Everyone in the department and throughout the hospital takes pride in caring for our community, and we hope that comes through in the care we provide.

Mary Gay Broderick writes for UCHealth. She can be reached at marygaybroderick@comcast.net.