Emergency Room Guide

Author: Dr. Vrolijk   |   Updated: August 23, 2025   |   Disclaimer   |   Review Process   |   References

Author: Dr. Vrolijk   

Updated: August 23, 2025   

Disclaimer   |   Review Process   |   References

The emergency department is a stressful place. You don’t feel well, the system is confusing, and it can be hard to explain what’s wrong.

This page helps by explaining the process, tips for common challenges, and what to get before you leave.

Other Pages for Specific Conditions:

→ Autism

→ Bleeding Disorder 

→ Sickle Cell Pain

→ Supporting Someone with Autism

What to Expect

You’ll give your basic info at the front desk:

  • Legal name and birth date
  • Reason for visit
  • Insurance card (if you have one)
Important: Right away, tell them about serious health issues like a bleeding disorder.

A nurse will check how urgent your problem is. They’ll take your:

  • Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature)
  • Brief health history
  • Current symptoms

Remember: Patients aren’t seen in the order of arrival. The sickest go first.

You might wait in the waiting room or be taken to a bed right away. The wait time depends on:

  • How busy the ER is
  • How many very sick patients came in
  • How dangerous your problem is

Important: If you start to feel worse, tell a nurse right away.

You might get tests like a blood draw or x-rays before seeing a doctor. This helps them plan your care and saves time.

They will:

  • Ask about your symptoms
  • Do a physical exam
  • Review your test results
  • Order more tests if needed

Tip: You might tell your story more than once to different staff. This helps them understand all the details of what’s happening.

Often you will get some treatment while getting tests. Based on what they find, you might get:

  • Medicine
  • Fluids through an IV
  • Treatment for pain
  • Other care based on your needs

The ER team will decide if you’re safe to go home. If not, they might recommend to:

  • Keep you for more watching
  • Admit you to the hospital
  • Transfer you to another hospital

Help Getting the Care You Need

These scripts are here to get you started. They are created by doctors who would want a patient to tell them these concerns. You don’t need to use these exact words. They’re just example and here if you need them. The most important thing is communicating what you need.

✷ If you can’t find staff: If you call for staff and no one comes right away, they may be in the resuscitation bay with someone who is very sick or dying. This doesn’t mean they’re ignoring you.

Essential Phrases

At Check-In

I’m having [symptoms] that started [when]. I have [health problem].

Describing Symptoms

It feels like [sharp/dull/burning] and gets worse when I [activity].

If the Wait Seems Too Long

Can you help me understand what’s happening in my care?

If You Don't Understand

I’m confused. Can you explain that in simpler terms? Or write down the key points?

If You Feel Dismissed

I’m concerned about [specific symptom]. I’m worried about my safety at home. It seems like you’re not worried about it. Can you help me understand why?

More Help

Understanding a Test

  • Can you tell me how this will help?
  • What are you looking for?

What Will Happen

  • Can you tell me the steps for this test (or procedure)?

How Long

  • How long will this take?

Pain

  • Will this hurt?
  • Can we do anything for pain?

Pain Level

  • This pain is so bad that I can’t [sleep, walk, work, think clearly, etc]

Different Type

  • This pain is different from usual. Usually it’s [achy, sharp, etc], but now it’s [burning, more intense, etc.]

Need Help

  • I’m in a lot of pain. Is there something we can do?

Pain Plan for Home

  • I’m worried about being able to take care of my pain at home. Can you explain what I should do?

When Did It Start?

  • How long ago?
  • What were you doing? 
  • Did something cause it?

What Makes It Worse? Better?

  • What positions help or hurt? (Standing? Sitting? Lying down?)
  • Does medicine make a difference?
  • Does eating, drinking, or moving change it?

What does it feel like?

  • Try your best to describe it
  • Some examples:
    • Pain: Sharp • Dull • Aching • Burning • Stabbing
    • Breathing: Tight • Heavy • Can’t get enough air
    • Dizziness: Room moving • Lightheaded • Feel like passing out

Where Is It?

  • Point to the spot where it’s the worst
  • Does it spread to other places?
  • Does it feel different in other locations?

Interpreter

  • I need an interpreter. Can you get one?

Write It Down

  • Can you write down what I need to know?

Hearing

  • I have a hard time hearing. Can you speak up?

Someone with You

  • I’d like my family member (or friend) with me for this? Can we get them?

Before You Leave

Essential Checklist

  • I understand what serious conditions were ruled today
  • I know what medicines I should take and how to take them
  • I understand when to see my primary care physician or a specialist
  • I know why I would come back to the ER
  • I have my discharge instructions

Key Questions to Ask

  • What serious conditions did you rule out?
  • When should I be worried enough to come back?
  • Who should I see for follow-up and how soon?

Documents to Get

  • Discharge instructions (ask for printed copies or confirm how to access them online)
  • Confirm prescriptions were sent to your pharmacy (or get paper prescriptions if needed)
  • Follow-up appointment info 
  • Work/school note if needed

Quick Answers

Wait times vary from 30 minutes to 9+ hours. It depends on how busy the ER is and how life threatening  your condition is. Life threatening means they will die soon if someone doesn’t help. You can have a serious condition but have to wait. 

 

People are seen right away for problems like:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Life threatening trauma 

The ER uses a 5-level scale to decide who needs care first. The people most at risk of dying are seen first.

 

  1. Level 1: Life-threatening – will die without immediate help. Examples: can’t breathe, bleeding a lot
  2. Level 2: High risk – very sick and could die if they don’t get help soon
  3. Level 3: Urgent – sick but safe to wait. Needs many tests to figure out what’s wrong
  4. Level 4: Safe to wait longer and won’t need as many tests
  5. Level 5: Safe to wait. Needs something simple like cleaning a wound or getting medicine

This happens soon after you arrive. A nurse will ask why you’re there and check your temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. While you’re waiting, the ER doctor will look at your information to make sure you’re in the right level.

The ER can only keep you if you’re too sick to make clear decisions about your health. For example, if you have a head injury and don’t know where you are.

Yes, but you should talk to someone first. They will help you understand if it is dangerous for you to leave.

 

If you’re still in the waiting area: Tell the front desk you need to leave. They may want you to speak with a nurse or doctor first if they’re worried about your health.

 

If you’ve been put in a room: The ER staff are worried about your health. They want to make sure you understand any risks of leaving before your care is complete. The doctor may want to talk to you to make sure all your questions are answered. You may need to sign papers saying you’re leaving “against medical advice” (AMA).

 

How to leave safely:

  • Tell your nurse or staff why you need to leave
  • Ask them to document in your chart why you’re leaving (work, childcare, etc.). This creates a record of your valid reasons and is important if you have to come back

If staff don’t come when you call, they may be helping someone who is very sick. This doesn’t mean they’re ignoring you. Try calling again after a few minutes, or ask any staff member you see to help get someone’s attention.

You Might Also Like

Getting Clear Answers

Learn what to ask when your doctor's explanation doesn't make sense, so you leave with information you actually understand.

Is High Blood Pressure an Emergency?

Learn how to tell if your high blood pressure is an emergency based on your symptoms, not just the numbers, and what to expect at the ER.

Getting Your Doctor's Attention

Find ways to redirect the conversation when you feel like your doctor isn't hearing your concerns.

Don't see what you need?

Tell us what health topics confuse you. Your suggestions help us decide what to create next.

Suggest a Topic

Clinical experience from multiple physicians

We take quality seriously. Every health guide goes through this review process:

Medical Review

  • At least one doctor in the content field reviews all health information

    • MD, DO, PhD/PsyD, OD, DMD, DDS depending on the content

  • Doctors check that all medical facts are correct

  • We update our content when new medical evidence comes out

Sources & Evidence

  • All content is based on current medical guidelines and research
  • We cite our sources so you can learn more

Reading Level Check

  • We test all content to make sure it’s easy to read
  • We avoid medical jargon or explain it clearly when needed
  • We break down complex topics into simple steps

Accessible Design

  • We design materials to work for people with different needs
  • We use clear fonts and good color contrast
  • We organize content with clear headings and simple layouts
  • We follow web accessibility guidelines

We regularly review and update our materials based on:

  • New medical research
  • User feedback
  • Changes in medical guidelines

You can find the last update date at the top of each page.

Found an error or have a suggestion?

Contact Us – We want to fix it as soon as possible!

The information provided by HealthEd for Everyone is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of this information, it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.


HealthEd for Everyone does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned within this material. Reliance on any information provided by HealthEd for Everyone is solely at your own risk.


In no event shall HealthEd for Everyone be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.


By accessing this information, you acknowledge and agree to these terms and conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital, or call emergency services immediately.

Scroll to Top