Triage in the ER
All patients presenting to the Emergency Room at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital are triaged when they arrive. Triage is the sorting of patients (as in an emergency room) according to the urgency of their need for care.
What Does Triage Mean?
Triage means sorting patients in order of emergency, meaning we treat the sickest people first. It may be frustrating and seem unfair when you see people who arrive later than you get evaluated before you do. The reason this happens is that the people seen first are either more ill or have a greater risk of becoming increasingly ill.
We ask that you also keep in mind that people who look fine can also be very ill. Though you are in the waiting room, our highly trained staff are monitoring your condition. It may just be a quick visual exam, the nurse may ask you a few questions, or you may be taken into a private area for a more detailed exam. If you have questions or your condition has changed, please ask for a nurse to evaluate you.
Why Do I Have to Wait in a Particular Room?
Patient confidentiality is extremely important to us. When people remain in the area designated to them, it decreases the chance that they will see or hear information that is private and personal to our patients. Due to the nature of the emergency department, we may also have to move very quickly to respond to a sick patient. It is important that our halls are clear, so we are able to respond to patients in the fastest manner possible.
Why Can’t I Use My Cell Phone in the Emergency Room?
Cell phones shouldn't be used in the Emergency Room to protect and respect patients, their families, and our employees’ privacy. We kindly ask that you do not use your phone in the Emergency Room.
